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Nonprofit partnership program kicks off fourth year
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Graduate and undergraduate students in the 2024 Social Economy and Enterprise Academy are working with area nonprofits on evaluation projects through data analysis and research this summer to optimize the impact of the organizations on communities. This year, the program received a boost from Workforce Solutions to fund the 22 participants with a $2,000 scholarship each. The University of Houston students bring various backgrounds and skill sets to the teams, applying what they learned from their coursework and training in public policy, economics, computer science, mathematics and political science. The groups will develop tangible solutions for project objectives spanning program evaluation, cost-benefit analysis for homeownership, economic development strategies and regional labor-need projections with nonprofit leadership and faculty support. The co-curricular program was initiated four years ago with funds from the UH Office of the Provost’s Cougar Initiative to Engage. UH faculty members Pablo Pinto of the Hobby School and Germán Cubas and Piruz Saboury of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences are the program directors. At a June kickoff meeting, the Asia Society Texas, Center for Civic and Public Policy Improvement, East Harris County Empowerment Council and Workforce Solutions introduced their projects. Ashley Gelato (MPP ’23), Luis Moreno (MPP ’24) and MPP/MSW candidate Lorenzo Salinas represented their respective organizations. Student teams will present the culmination of their work at a special presentation and reception on Aug. 15.
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Host a Future Public Service Leader
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Are you seeking a mission-oriented intern to drive your organization forward? The Civic Houston Internship Program application for host offices for the fall semester is open through July 19. Participating organizations help empower University of Houston students to integrate classroom learning with real-world applications. With the commitment and support of community partners, more than 1,700 undergraduates from diverse academic disciplines have been introduced to public service and gained practical skills through part-time placements in local government offices, nonprofits and electoral campaigns.
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Blake Ellis is the chief talent officer for Harris County Precinct 4, and he says Civic Houston Interns add real value to the culture and work happening across the precinct and offer a fresh perspective and innovative ideas. "At Harris County Precinct 4, CHIP interns perform the real work of local government. They write policy memos, participate in agenda briefings, attend Commissioners Court and update the Commissioner on a wide range of issues. They also engage thought leaders across the precinct on talent acquisition, constituent engagement, legal compliance, communications and more. They are fully integrated members of the team, which provides them with exposure to public servants in a variety of fields."
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DC trip opens mission-oriented career options for NextGen students
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A student and alumna from the Hobby School Next Generation Leadership Academy traveled to the nation's capital to explore careers in public service. Emily Cruz and Alexander Westerbeck were part of the multi-university group sponsored by The Volcker Alliance, the national nonprofit empowering the next generation of public service professionals. They engaged in professional development activities, visited federal agency offices and networked with peers in NextGen Service Corps programs across the country. Cruz and Westerbeck also met with program alumni working in the Washington, D.C., area to learn about their career trajectories and various public service pathways. The comprehensive leadership development program at the University of Houston offers mentoring, training, internship assignments and opportunities for undergraduates eager to make a difference in their communities through a career focused on public service and social impact. Directed by the Hobby School's Emily Janowski, NextGen aims to transform students into leaders by providing them with the necessary skills and tools to address tomorrow's challenges.
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"My favorite session was learning about the U.S. Government Accountability Office, known as the congressional watchdog. I found it incredibly fascinating to learn how the GOA conducts research to track progress and evaluate the impact of legislation. I have a strong passion for research, especially when it can effectively bridge communities with their government. This session sparked an interest in exploring avenues where I can contribute to effective governance and public policy through rigorous research and analysis." – Emily Cruz
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“My favorite session was hearing about the Environmental Defense Fund's work for our community. It was interesting to see the different ways you can get directly involved. It was especially fascinating because I hope to work in a nonprofit role in the future. I want to see and make a direct impact. Meeting with the people at the EDF reminded me of all I can accomplish after graduation and taught me that change within our society happens by working together.” – Alexander Westerbeck
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Blockbuster lecture series set for fall
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Join the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership for a fall lecture series examining the state of democracy and political climate in the U.S. during a presidential election year. The Future of American Democracy lectures will cover how key issues and polarization impact communities in Texas and across the country and what challenges undermine democracy, with speakers committed to reenergizing and strengthening political participation and democratic institutions. American journalist and acclaimed author George Packer starts the series on Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. in the Rockwell Pavilion at the M.D. Anderson Library. Packer will discuss his latest book, "Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal," which seeks to understand the current moment and offers a path forward for overcoming the country's fractures, injustices and divisions. The event is free and open to the university and surrounding communities, but spacing is limited. Registration is required.
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Student scholarship for future changemakers
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UH students passionate about public service are encouraged to apply for the Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship before Sept. 23. Named for esteemed UH Professor Emeritus and Hobby School Senior Research Fellow Richard Murray, the scholarship is awarded to students from any major who are dedicated to making a tangible difference inside and outside the classroom. The award recognizes outstanding academic accomplishments and leadership abilities and honors Murray's decades of teaching and research at UH.
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Hobby School hosts college-bound students
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Nearly 40 high school students participating in a summer program led by CollegeCommunityCareer (CCC) visited the Hobby School to learn more about the school's mission, degree programs and public service opportunities. Scott Mason, the program director for academic advising, took the prospective students through coursework highlights, integrating real-world experiences to enhance classroom learning, career outcomes and all the Hobby School offers. CCC mentors high school students from the Houston area, introducing them to a range of academic and career paths through campus tours and supporting them throughout their college journeys.
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Vallejo advances as Hobby School research assistant professor
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Agustín Vallejo has been promoted to research assistant professor, where he will work closely with the students in the Master of Public Policy program and take an increased role in teaching and instructing courses every semester. Vallejo has worked as a post-doctoral research fellow with the Hobby School since January 2019, teaching graduate courses on analysis and modeling and supporting Hobby School research on Texas trends, elections, disaster recovery and resilience, legislative issues and more. This summer, Vallejo co-taught workshops for college students seeking careers in the changing energy industry. "I look forward to contributing to the academic development of our students and supporting their growth in the field of public policy," said Vallejo. The Argentina native focuses his research on electoral politics, the electoral process and political careers, with subjects in Latin America and the U.S. He holds doctorate and master's degrees in political science from Rice University and a bachelor's degree in political science from Universidad de Buenos Aires in Argentina. Vallejo is also a regular contributor to the U.S. edition of La Política Online, a digital Spanish-language publication covering economic and political news.
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Professors share public policy learning with emerging energy transition leaders
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In June, Hobby School faculty and researchers worked with an intercollegiate program for undergraduate and graduate students seeking professions in energy transition at the Data Science for Energy Transition summer camp. The program is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation to address the need for a skilled and diverse data science workforce to optimize conventional energy and lead the transition to emerging sources. It is in its third year at the University of Houston. Pablo Pinto is a co-principal investigator, and Sunny Wong serves as senior personnel. The principal investigator is Mikyoung Jung from the UH Department of Mathematics. Maria Pérez Argüelles, Gail Buttorff and Agustín Vallejo of the Hobby School shared their expertise in statistics, modeling, and data and policy analysis with participants in the multi-university initiative that collaborates with energy industry partners.
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Hobby School Happenings captures lectures, events, application deadlines, programs and collaborations hosted or co-sponsored by the Hobby School and its centers. Mark your calendars and join us for the next Hobby School happening. Thursday, July 25
National Intern Day Thursday, Aug. 1 Fall 2024 Graduate Programs Application Deadline
Apply Tuesday, Aug. 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Graduate Information Session
Virtual Monday, Aug. 19
First Day of Fall Classes Thursday, Sept. 12, 4-6 p.m. America in Crisis and Renewal with George Packer
The Future of American Democracy Lecture Series Presented by the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center
Rockwell Pavilion, M.D. Anderson Library
Register
Thursday, Sept. 17
National Voter Registration Day Monday, Sept. 23
Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship
Application Deadline
Apply Wednesday, Sept. 25, 12-1p.m.
The Hobby Hour: Immigration and the 2024 Elections
Watch on Hobby School’s YouTube, X and Facebook accounts
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