MPA student Sincere Valentine explores the lasting impact of his grandfather’s legacy in shaping policy and policing in Connecticut. For much of his childhood, Valentine understood that his grandfather had been a respected public servant doing important work in Bridgeport. But it wasn’t until his teenage years that he began to grasp the scope of that legacy. As a participant in the Bridgeport Junior Council Program while in high school, Valentine had the opportunity to shadow town council members, attend public meetings and engage with community leaders. During the program’s closing ceremony, his lineage to Penn was mentioned. “Once people found out, it was like everything shifted,” he says. “Person after person came up to me saying, ‘Your grandfather was a great man.’ That was the first time I really realized how much his name meant.” (click to read more)
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From Graduate Assistant to Graduation: 10 Questions with Jordan Oquendo
The IMRP profiles staffer Jordan Oquendo who is among the School of Public Policy master’s candidates to receive their degree at Monday’s graduation ceremony. Jordan has been working with the IMRP since his enrollment, primarily with the Connecticut Sentencing Commission (CTSC).
Blending History, Education, and Community Service into a Meaningful Career Path
MPA student Noah Hurt has always been drawn to spaces that educate and support the community. Through his IPP, Hurt serves as Intern for Advancement at COMPASS Youth Collaborative which works with vulnerable youth to provide them with tools to succeed in education, employment, and life.
SPP Students Gain Policy Experience in Washington, D.C.
Two students from UConn’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs traded classroom work for the nation’s capital this summer, immersing themselves in federal policy work. Read more about their experiences in higher education access and election integrity.