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School of Public Policy

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Alumni

Alumni

The alumni of the School of Public Policy are an international network of leaders, changemakers, and trailblazers who are shaping the policies of tomorrow.

From government agencies and international organizations to nonprofits and the private sector, our graduates are applying their knowledge and skills to the challenges facing our society today. Learn how you can become more involved with your alma mater below. 

Board of Visitors

The School of Public Policy’s Board of Visitors, established in 2021, supports students and faculty by fostering connections with Penn State alumni, policy school graduates, industry professionals, and other supporters. To promote diversity and broaden perspectives, the Board includes members both affiliated and unaffiliated with Penn State.

Giving

The School of Public Policy is committed to equipping the next generation of public servants, analysts, and policymakers with the skills and tools needed to navigate and address pressing issues such as inequality, climate change, public health, and governance.

Your support helps provide critical resources—from scholarships and research opportunities to community partnerships—that empower students to turn ideas into action and drive meaningful change at local, national, and global levels.

In 2022, Penn State alumnus Josh Korn and his wife, Sarah, created the Josh and Sarah Korn School of Public Policy Student Access Fund in the College of the Liberal Arts to help support equitable access to field work, internships, study abroad or other enrichment experiences for Public Policy students.

“Learning in the classroom is of course important, but actually doing the work is different, so I hope this fund will help students develop the skills and the relationships that will lead to fulfilling careers.” – Josh Korn, 2012 public policy alumnus

David Gray, a former Penn State senior administrator, and Margaret Gray, Penn State’s first director of local government and community relations, made a commitment in 2018 to create the first graduate scholarship in the Master of Public Policy program in the College of the Liberal Arts. 

“We are delighted to support graduate students who wish to pursue public sector careers of their own, particularly in state or local government, which is a path we feel can yield great good for communities and for people’s lives.” – David and Margaret Gray 

Submit Your Information

Our students want to hear your story! Submit an alumni profile today to tell us about your post-graduation journey and stay connected with College of the Liberal Arts.

Alumni Features

Madelyn Hindman

‘25 Master of Public Policy
As a student, Madelyn was able to fulfil her love of civic engagement through her role in Penn State Votes, helping to develop resources to support students registering to vote and making a plan to vote.

“Through my education, I want to learn how to make an impact.”

Halima Binte Islam

’25 Master of Public Policy
One of the highlights of her time at Penn State has been the opportunity to engage in hands-on research. Halima is especially focused on projects related to digital inclusion and AI privacy policy. She is currently conducting a systematic review on smartphone ownership in developing regions, exploring how access to technology can empower communities.

Dan Bransfield

’25 Political Science major, Economics minor, Master of Public Policy
In summer 2024, Dan interned with Team Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, working in agricultural policy — a field he had not previously explored. He gained hands-on experience by researching policy topics, visiting facilities and connecting with professionals in the field. One of his most memorable moments was attending a board meeting at Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, where he met Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi and other University leaders.

Xiomara Larkin

’26 Master of Public Policy
I’m leveraging the master of public policy degree because it gives me core skills that set me ahead of the trend. Having a political science degree gives you the base knowledge, and the master’s program is teaching me additional skills — like coding and statistics — and how to apply political science theories to the real world. It’s taking my education up another level.

Mentor a Student

The Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor program connects alumni with current students in a year-long mentoring relationship focused on professional and academic growth. 

As a mentor, your role is to engage with your student mentee by offering insight, guidance, and encouragement drawn from your own experiences in public policy—whether in government, nonprofits, advocacy, research, or related sectors. Your perspective can make a meaningful difference in helping students explore career paths, build confidence, and prepare for life after graduation. 

Recruit Students

As a graduate of our Public Policy program, you understand the unique strengths our students bring to the table. With a solid foundation in policy analysis, research, and critical thinking, Public Policy students are well-prepared to navigate today’s complex professional environments—where strategic insight, adaptability, and strong communication are essential for driving meaningful change. 

If your organization could benefit from the contributions of a Public Policy student, consider submitting your internship or job opening. 

Volunteer

Every year, the School of Public Policy hosts two panels in Washington D.C. and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to give advice about navigating various policy career paths and insights into the day-to-day work and establish meaningful professional connections. 

Washington D.C.: March 2026

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: October 29, 2025

Email Lillard Richardson for more information.

Alumni Resources

Stay Connected

There are so many ways to stay connected to your alma mater after you graduate, network with fellow alumni, and make a difference for current students. 

Visit Campus

There’s no better time to visit campus than the present! As a member of the Penn State alumni network, you know that University Park is continually growing and evolving—there’s plenty of new spaces and experiences while you’re here.