The Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program is a co-curricular experience designed exclusively for undergraduate students. It complements their academic pursuits and is open to all students at Pitt who have a passion for public policy, community engagement, and social justice, regardless of their major.
During the program, fellows will focus on implementing a community-engaged project in partnership with a local public or nonprofit organization. Under the guidance of experienced staff, faculty, and graduate student mentors, undergraduate fellows will apply their knowledge and skills to address real community and organizational needs. The program also encourages fellows to reflect on their experiences and identities, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and a lifelong commitment to community engagement and social justice.
"The opportunity to bridge (my) academic work with work that directly impacts the community in positive ways, led by community practitioners… was a major draw for me.”
- Senior sociology and philosophy major, Yali Beit-Arie
Throughout the program, undergraduate fellows will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the landscape of public policy, community engagement, and local public and nonprofit organizations
- Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills
- Learn how to work collaboratively and in an interdisciplinary team
Interested undergraduate students should apply to the program when the application opens in late spring. Those accepted into the program will be notified in the beginning of the fall semester and register for the one-credit course the following spring.
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open! Please submit your application through the link below by August 15, 2025 for consideration in this year's cohort.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What will the community-engaged project component look like?
Once selected, students will indicate their preference for an organization/project from a list of curated options. Students will work approximately 5 hours per week throughout the year, partnering with local organizations in teams of 4 to submit more detailed proposals for their chosen projects toward the end of the fall semester. Deliverables will vary from needs assessments to capacity-building workshops or program analysis/evaluation plans. With support and guidance from faculty, staff, student mentors as well as community partners, students will work on their projects throughout the spring semester, culminating in a presentation at the closing retreat.
A sampling of previous projects include:- The Center for Analytical Approaches to Social Innovation (CAASI) Allegheny County Policing Project (ACPP) - Students answered community requests relating to policing and other criminal-legal topics, delivering data-driven results in a transparent and replicable manner.
- World Affairs Council - Students assessed the organization's strategic plan, evaluating progress and advising how to meet organizational targets in the next three years.
- Allegheny Department of Human Services (DHS) - Students studied the lack of standardization in Pittsburgh’s homeless shelters, using their research to shape recommendations to serve unhoused community members more equitably and efficiently.
- The Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT) Fire Preparedness with Emerging Technologies Project - Students researched Allegheny County’s readiness and ability to mitigate fires, especially those caused by emerging technologies.
- The Center for Analytical Approaches to Social Innovation (CAASI) Allegheny County Policing Project (ACPP) - Students answered community requests relating to policing and other criminal-legal topics, delivering data-driven results in a transparent and replicable manner.
- What are some important dates to remember for the program?
Here are key dates to keep in mind for the program:
Wednesday, April 9, 2025: The call for applications will open, inviting students to apply for the Policy & Social Impact Fellows ProgramFriday, August 15, 2025: Students will be required to submit completed applications by August 15, 2025
Fall Semester: The program is scheduled to launch in the fall, with the opening retreat planned to take place in mid to late October. The retreat will include team-building activities, leadership seminars, and an introduction to key concepts in public policy and community engagement.
Spring Semester: Students will enroll in the one-credit course PIA 0800 Policy and Social Impact Fellows Seminar. Towards the end of the academic year, there will also be a closing retreat and celebration of student accomplishments, marking the conclusion of the Policy & Social Impact Fellows Program.
- How can students apply to the Policy & Social Impact Fellows Program?
To apply, students will need to complete and submit the application form, which will include providing answers to some demographic questions, uploading a resume or CV, and responding to two short answer questions and a video response. The application process will open in mid-April, with a mid-August deadline.
- Who can apply for the Policy & Social Impact Fellows Program?
The Policy & Social Impact Fellows Program is specifically designed for undergraduate students. It is open to undergraduate students from all majors and years (freshman to senior). The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds who share a passion for public policy, international affairs, community engagement, and social justice. The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages collaboration and learning across various fields of study.
- Will there be financial incentives or stipends associated with the program?
Yes, students accepted into the Policy & Social Impact Fellows Program will receive a stipend of $1,500 for their participation in the program. The stipend is intended to provide financial support to the students throughout their involvement in the program.
- Will students receive an academic credential?
Yes, students accepted into the Policy & Social Impact Fellows Program will register for the Policy and Social Impact Seminar in the spring semester and receive one credit for completing all fellowship requirements. Please see below for the seminar details. Students will also earn an OCC Policy and Social Impact badge on completion and receive Certificates of Completion during the closing retreat in April.
PIA 0800 Policy and Social Impact Fellows Seminar
This one-credit seminar is open only to students accepted into the Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program through the School of Public and International Affairs. The Policy and Social Impact Fellows program is designed for undergraduate students committed to driving change in public policy, leadership, and community engagement. In interdisciplinary teams of four, Fellows collaborate with local public and nonprofit organizations during the Spring semester on pressing issues such as affordable housing, sustainability, education, and food security. The course includes a required Fall retreat focused on foundational training in public policy and community engagement and concludes with a Spring retreat to reflect on outcomes and celebrate the Fellows’ contributions.- What kind of mentorship and support will be available to students in the program?
Students will receive mentorship and support from faculty members, staff, and/graduate students with expertise in the project area. Mentors and community partner contacts will provide guidance throughout the duration of the community-engaged projects. Leadership coaching from external consultants may also be available.
If you have any questions about the Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program, please email Jazmin Kent-Loera at jak512@pitt.edu.