PPSA
Membership and Benefits

Benefits | Getting Involved | Becoming a member

The Public Policy Student Association (PPSA), a membership-based organization created and run by graduate students in GWU's public policy program, seeks to provide all Master and Ph.D. level policy students with a professional and social network within The George Washington University and the greater DC area.

Benefits

The benefits of joining the PPSA include:

  • Student Mentoring Program. A program created for new and continuing policy students where returning students from each discipline serve as volunteer contacts for students in their field. The contact person is available to answer questions via e-mail or telephone. This mentoring program does not replace faculty advising.

  • Professional Development Opportunities. The PPSA's agenda includes a series of lectures and workshops designed to enhance the curricular education of policy students by providing networking opportunities and insight into the "real world" of policy analysis and research. Professional Development workshops are organized in conjunction with TSPPPA's Career Services Office, and provide students with valuable opportunities to speak with established public policy professionals on a number of issues explore career options, resume and CV building, job talks, and research methodologies.

  • Student Social Events. Social events, including happy hours and informal dinners, will help provide a social network for students in the different fields of the public policy programs. PPSA co-hosts an annual retreat each fall with MPAA (Masters in Public Administration Association) so new students can meet each other and second year students. Additionally, there are monthly happy hours, events around Washington, DC such as ice skating, group outings to Nationals games and DC United games, and intramural sports that PPSA members can participate in. View the current social schedule for upcoming events here

  • Community Service Opportunities. Throughout the year PPSA and MPAA members will actively engage the community through various community service events. These opportunities range from working at local food pantries, The Ronald McDonald House, and participating in charity walks. In addition, both student associations particpate in Hands On DC a District wide volunteer where local DC schools are adopted for a day.

  • Public Policy Student Association Website. The PPSA maintains a web site with information on upcoming events and social activities, message boards, research resources, and links to other sites of interest to public policy students.

  • PPSA Member Listserv. To communicate with you on a about upcoming PPSA events and other membership or programming information that specifically pertains to PPSA members.

  • The TSPPPA Research Showcase. In the spring the PPSA holds a Research Showcase where Masters and PhD students can showcase their original research for professors, policy professionals and other students.

  • Orientation Activities. PPSA and MPAA host the second day of new student orientation to introduce the new student body to each other and current students and to introduce new students to the program and upcoming social events planned for in the fall.

  • Voice. The Executive Committee is exploring opportunities with GWIPP for students to participate in decisions that affect us.

    • How to Get Involved

  • Join the PPSA (information provided below).

  • Attend PPSA events.

  • Take a leadership position in the organization or volunteer your time-be a student mentor.
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    How to join the PPSA

  • Membership benefits are available for only $25 annually or $35 for two years (see membership form below). Fees are used to support the many planned professional and social events.

  • Membership is open to any matriculated GW graduate student of public policy.

    • To join please print and fill out the Membership form.

    For more information, contact the PPSA via email at ppsa@gwu.edu.

    Send or drop off a check for $25 for one year or $35 for two years made payable to PPSA to: Public Policy Student Association, 805 21st Street NW, Suite 602, Washington, DC 20052.

    Return to the PPSA Homepage

    Email PPSA: ppsa@gwu.edu
    Email the webmaster
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    to use this link. Otherwise please email ablewis@gwu.edu