School of Public Policy Diversity Projects and Programs
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.
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.
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 include 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
A 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.
SPP 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
Race and Public Safety
Explore a thought-provoking discussion analyzing the states of race and policing/public
safety from the perspective of four leaders of color with combined decades of experience.
Race and Education
When Policy is Personal: Race and Public Safety