DMI Scholars is a “Public Policy 101” for young people who want to keep our country moving forward. The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy (DMI) is a think tank staffed by progressives who want to drive public policy, not just lament its failures. We created DMI Scholars to cultivate a new generation of leaders bringing their activism to public policy careers in government, think tanks, campaigns and advocacy. Our two-week Summer Institute for DMI Scholars will be in New York City during Summer 2012. There, you will learn to approach problems through a policy lens and meet people on the frontlines fighting for fair and just public policy. After our intensive summer training, we will help you explore careers in this field through internships with our partners.
What is the DMI Scholars Program?
The DMI Scholars program addresses one of the most critical challenges facing the progressive movement today: the lack of a pipeline dedicated to supporting and guiding talented young people into the field of public policy. DMI Scholars identifies progressive college students from diverse communities and trains them in the skills necessary to obtain and succeed in entry-level public policy positions.
What is the mission of DMI Scholars?
Our mission is to increase and diversify the pool of strong candidates that enters key professions in the public policy field, better equipping the movement for social change to affect reforms on a policy level.
What is the DMI Scholars Summer Institute?
DMI Scholars centers on our Summer Institute. The Summer Institute is a “Public Policy 101,” training DMI Scholars to work on solutions to real problems through a public policy lens, and providing the practical experience you need to successfully enter and navigate the fascinating world of public policy.
Who should apply to DMI Scholars?
DMI Scholars are sharp, creative college sophomores and juniors who are passionate about changing the world, have strong communication skills, and an interest in exploring public policy as a vehicle for their activism. You do not need a background in public policy. We strongly encourage students of color, immigrants, members of the LGBTQ community, and students from low-income and working class backgrounds to apply.
What will it cost me to participate in DMI Scholars?
There is no fee for applying or participating in the program.
While you are in NYC for the two-week Summer Institute, your transportation, housing, and meals will be completely covered. You may wish to have some money for activities on the few evenings you will have off.
What are the requirements to apply to DMI Scholars?
• You must be a sophomore or junior enrolled in an accredited American college or university.
• You must be able to demonstrate a commitment to your progressive values by your activities.
• You must be able to attend an in person interview in NYC or a city near you if you become a finalist candidate, March 21-25 2012.
• You must be able to attend our Summer Institute during Summer 2012 and be at least 18 years old and no older than 25 years old by then.
What is a typical day at the Summer Institute like?
9-9:30 am
Newspaper Breakfast Review
Scholars practice reading the newspaper with a critical eye.
9:30am-11:30am
Class
Policy Analysis Lesson: how to create a research design.
11:30am-12:30pm
Group Work
Policy analysis project groups create their project research design.
12:30pm-1:30pm
Guest Speaker Lunch
Guest speaker Honorable Nydia Velazquez,
US Congress member, NY
1:30pm-2:00pm
Break
Scholars take a break.
2:00pm-3:00pm
Workshop
Intro to Writing a Policy Memo
3:00pm-4:00pm
Post Workshop Exercise
Speed memo writing exercise. Scholars have one hour to write a policy memo for their boss, a state legislator.
4:00pm-6:00pm
Debate Prep & Snack
Debate teams conduct research & strategize on policy debate topic.
6:00pm-9:00pm
Dinner & Networking Event
Dinner & Speed Networking with Progressives in Public Policy Professions
What will I get out of the Summer Institute?
• Interaction with other activists who also want to change the world and work in public policy.
• Training to think, write and speak about important issues like immigration, LGBTQ rights, or the economy through a policy lens.
• A rare opportunity to learn from leaders on the front lines, why it’s important for young activists like you to join the movement for progressive social change through public policy.
What is my commitment when I become a DMI Scholar?
Your commitment is to complete the pre-training reading and writing assignments and the two-week Summer Institute during Summer 2012.
What happens after the Summer Institute?
If you successfully complete our Summer Institute and decide to explore careers in public policy, we will help you to find the people and opportunities, through ongoing policy training and internships to help you launch your career.