Diversity Programs and Initiatives
At Pepperdine School of Public Policy we strive to develop a wide variety of partnerships, initiatives, and programs that provide a forum for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to engage in educational opportunities that build a diverse community founded on respect and compassion.
Partnerships:
| Partners | Description |
|---|---|
| California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education | The School of Public Policy participates twice a year in the California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education which is designed to acquaint first-generation college students with the career opportunities and academic challenges associated with advanced study in a wide range of disciplines. |
| International Scholar Exchange | The School of Public Policy is in early discussions and discovery to develop an student/faculty exchange program with the National University of Public Service in Budapest, Hungary. |
Fellowship Programs:
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Payne Fellowship Program | The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program seeks to attract outstanding young people who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). If you want to work on the front lines of some of the most pressing global challenges of our times—poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, environmental degradation, climate change, conflict and violent extremism— the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development provides an opportunity to advance U.S. foreign policy interests and reflect the American people's compassion and support of human dignity. |
| Rangel Fellowship Program | The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program is a US Department of State program,
administered by Howard University, that attracts and prepares young people for careers
of international service. The Rangel Program selects outstanding Rangel Fellows annually
in a highly competitive nationwide process and supports them through two years of
graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Fellows who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers, one of the most exciting and rewarding careers available. Rangel Fellows are committed to serving their country and promoting positive change globally. Individuals who have successfully completed the Rangel Program are now making a difference in countries throughout the world, including Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela, South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, China, Korea, Bangladesh, Spain and Ireland. |
| Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship Program | The School of Public Policy is a member of the Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA). PPIA is a national program that prepares young adults for an advanced degree and ultimately for careers and influential roles serving the public good. The fellowship program has an outreach focus on students from groups who are underrepresented in leadership positions in government, nonprofits, international organizations and other institutional settings. It also provides student training and financial support for graduate school and facilitates ongoing professional development. |
Student Centered Activities
- Recruitment Events - Each year the School of Public Policy strives to obtain a broad student base. In efforts to obtain a diverse student body, school representatives recruit in over 60 undergraduate universities, graduate school and career fairs, as well as graduate school tours worldwide with 25 percent located internationally and approximately 10 percent at universities with a primarily minority student population. In addition to the traditional recruitment efforts at universities and graduate fair, School of Public Policy recruitment efforts includes the new Pepperdine Policy Partners Program (P4) that identifies like-minded institutions to provide their constituents with admission perks, including the Payne and Rangel Fellows, the Pickering Fellows, the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, PPIA, Network of Enlightened Women, Concerned Women for America, and others.
- Women in Public Policy (WPP) - graduate student organization, Women and Public Policy (WPP) was established to promote the development of women in the academic and professional arenas. Through a blend of guest speakers, social activities, and seminars, WPP supports and encourages women as they tackle unique challenges in public policy.
- Conservatives of Public Policy (CoPP) - The Conservatives of Public Policy (CoPP) organization provides a community amongst fellow conservatives in the School of Public Policy, as well as provides an outlet to those who may want to learn more about conservativism through experiencing a community of conservatives. CoPP works with organizations to discuss and influence conservative policymaking. CoPP falls directly in line with Viewpoint Diversity at the School of Public Policy. CPP is meant to create a space for conservatives to dialogue with one another, network, and create relationships both professionally and personally that will last a lifetime.
Scholarship Studying Impacts on Diverse Communities
- SPP faculty engages through their research on various relevant public policy areas by studying the impacts on diverse communities in the United States, such as financial planning for retirement, access to broadband, and water, among many others. Visit the Pepperdine publications page for research and reports conducted by SPP faculty.
Online Events
| Date | Event | Speaker(s) | Media |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 22, 2021 | Race in Education | Panelist:
Jaime Aquino, Senior Vice President, Discovery Education Moderator: |
Race in Education Video |
| February 22, 2021 | Racially Diverse Leaders for Racially Diverse Cities | Panelist:
Angela Averiett, Interim Deputy Chief of Support Services Bureau at the BART Police
Department Moderator: Welcome Speaker: Dr. Luisa Blanco, Professor of Public Policy at Pepperdine School of Public Policy and SPP Diversity Committee Chair |
Racially Diverse Leaders Event Video |
| June 25, 2020 | When Policy is Personal: Race and Public Safety | Panelists:
Angela Averiett, Interim Deputy Chief Support Services Bureau, BART Police Department Moderator: |
When Policy is Personal Event Video |
| July 15,2020 | Race in Education | Panelists:
Patrick Dobard, New Schools for New Orleans Moderator: |
Race in Education Event Video |