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.