Alumni Testimonials
“While the exposure to policy experts and world class researchers can’t be overstated, the technical training delivered during The Academy Fellowship… the SAS and GIS programming… were invaluable in helping me supplement my soft skills with something more tangible and marketable.”
Bradley Pough | Class of 2011
Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
“[The Academy Fellowship] provided me the experience necessary to craft my post-doctoral goals, specifically returning to DC to help inform policies and programs impacting rural, Native American, low-income communities like the one I grew up in.”
Blythe George | Class of 2011
Assistant Professor of Sociology
UC Merced
“The program’s combination of technical and academic emphasis including policy writing, speaking, expert engagement, and data programming strengthened my breadth as an undergraduate student, inspiring me to obtain a graduate degree in economics.”
Parfait Gasana | Class of 2008
Research Analyst
Argonne National Laboratory
“Participating with a cohort of other students created a safe space to speak about issues that were important to me and provided a network of colleagues that I can reach out to for guidance and future collaboration.”
Kelsey Lyles | Class of 2011
Director, Health Equity & Repair
Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative
“As the only Native American in my Academy Fellowship class and coming from a reservation, I was worried about feeling isolated. Prior to The Academy, I had only limited interactions with other groups professionally. It was energizing and fulfilling to be in a community that shared my career goals of improving the lives of others through policy research.”
Brian Howard | Class of 2009
Senior Policy Analyst
United South and Eastern Tribes
“[The Academy Fellowship] provided me with exposure to some of the nation’s leading experts in almost every critical policy issue facing the country. I joined a cohort of ten students who were challenged daily to think and explore how policy research can affect change, and also how we as students could design projects to tackle these issues.”
Lamont Cobb | Class of 2009
Director of Planning and Land Use
City of Los Angeles
“As a first generation college student from an underserved area, I’ve spent a lot of time worrying if I would ever “catch up” with the general population. I’m extremely thankful for [The Academy Fellowship] for not only helping me catch up, but helping me to exceed expectations...”
Jewels Rhode | Class of 2010
UX Content Strategist
Chenega Corporation
“[The Academy Fellowship] played an important role in shaping my career path and developing a skillset that I could easily translate into the workforce and academia...”
Jose Loya | Class of 2009
Assistant Professor of Urban Planning
University of California, Los Angeles
“[The Academy Fellowship] was a formative experience for my career by giving me the skills and confidence necessary for future growth as a young professional.”
Jonay Foster | Class of 2008
Senior Director, Policy & Corporate Initiatives
Business Roundtable
“The Academy Fellowship was a critical launchpad for success in my career in public policy. The Academy not only contributed greatly to my advancement in the field, but instilled a life long commitment to leadership and public policy. I can think of no better or higher quality program for preparing underrepresented groups to produce lasting policy change.”
Zachary Murray | Class of 2011
Organizing and Movement Building Director
The Guild
“[The Academy Fellowship] opened my life to the field of public policy. I had the opportunity to meet experts in different specialties and this showed me what type of work I could do after graduation. It also gave me statistical skills that have become invaluable in my schooling and career. I can say without hesitation that I would not be where I am today if it were not for this program.”
Alex Maza | Class of 2010
Vice President, Strategic Engagement & Learning
The Policy Academies
“The Academy Fellowship helped me understand the strengths and gaps I had hoping to enter the workforce after graduation. My Academy training gave me the knowledge and practical skills to be a top performer in my current role within a large education nonprofit. I feel my career trajectory was steepened in large part by this exceptional program.”
Kyle Coleman | Class of 2009
Vice President, Investment Banking (Mergers & Acquisitions)
Fails Management Institute
“The effect [The Academy Fellowship] had on my life and professional goals is immeasurable. I gained technical skills and research experience that without this program, I don’t see how I could have otherwise received. This program allowed me to believe in myself despite the disadvantages I faced in comparison to my peers. I also cannot emphasize enough the amazing level of mentorship I received. I am still in touch with most of my mentors and they provide me regular guidance and support.”
Linnea Lassiter | Class of 2010
Independent Senior Consultant