The Furman Public Policy Scholarship Program is an innovative and experience-based program designed to train and support top students who are interested in pursuing careers in the public policy sector. The program emphasizes individualized academic planning and advising. Faculty and administration work closely with students to secure placements for their 1L and 2L summers, giving students the opportunity to engage in public policy issues at local, state, national, and international levels. Students also receive support in securing their post-graduate career placement, and each scholar is paired with a faculty mentor.
Scholars will be expected to participate in regular public-policy oriented discussion sessions during the year and also in a half-semester seminar focused on transforming policy proposals into shorter works (such as op-eds) that are geared towards policymakers, thought leaders, and the press. Scholars are also guaranteed placement in the Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic in DC during their 3L year.
Key Features of the Program
- 1L summer: Furman Public Policy Scholars will have NYU Law School-funded public policy internships.
- • 2L or 3L spring semester: All Furman Public Policy Scholars participate in NYU Law’s seminar on Communicating Academic Work to Policymakers, taught by Lily Batchelder, in which they work on translating their policy proposals into shorter written pieces (such as fact sheets, policy briefs, and op-eds) that are geared towards policymakers, thought leaders, and the press.
- 3L fall semester in DC: All Furman Public Policy Scholars have the opportunity to spend a semester of their third year in Washington, DC, either in NYU Law's Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic or in another policy position. For certain students, the 3L semester may be an opportunity to work on a political campaign or initiative, with faculty supervision.
- The Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic is taught by former White House Counsel Robert Bauer and Sally Katzen, who held a number of senior positions in the Clinton administration. Students work four days a week in a federal agency or government office, and also attend a weekly seminar as well as special sessions with senior government officials and guest lecturers.
Focus on Advising
The program emphasizes individualized academic planning and advising. Each scholar works closely with a faculty adviser in his or her specific policy field. These advisers review and approve the scholars' academic plans, and assist scholars with their internship plans.