Crystal Green

Degree program: Master of Public Policy & Administration and Master of Education joint degree, 2019  

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Where I interned: The Postsecondary National Policy Institute, which is the leading source of professional development for current and prospective policymakers who work on federal higher education issues. The only program of its kind in the postsecondary space, PNPI’s professional development events provide an opportunity to consider a full range of higher education topics, while engaging in constructive dialogue with postsecondary leaders, researchers, and their peers. In addition, PNPI publishes primers, factsheets, and research summaries on a full-range of postsecondary issues. 

What I did there:

• Attended postsecondary policy events focused on trends and conditions in higher education and reported findings and implications to PNPI staff.
•  Updated factsheets and primers focused on underrepresented populations in higher education such as men of color, first-generation, post-traditional, and Native American students.
• Drafted featured reports on topics related to higher education to enhance federal and prospective postsecondary policymakers, institutions, and the public’s awareness on current higher education issues
•  Assisted and supported PNPI staff with the execution of their seminars and events by reviewing reading lists and assembling and delivering materials.
• Most of all, I got the chance to explore DC and all its greatness!

The most important thing I learned: The importance in maintaining rapport with various stakeholders. Sustaining a good reputation matters.

The most challenging part of my internship: Acclimating to the DC culture.

What surprised me the most: I was surprised by how small the higher education policy world is— everyone knows each other in some manner!

Why I’m studying public policy: As someone who carries marginalized identities such as being a first-generation, black woman from a low socioeconomic family background, I understand the challenges underrepresented students have to overcome to acquire an education. Public policy and higher education are closely related and play a major role in college access. One of my goals is to get a better grasp on this larger context so that I can contribute to the development of these policies in order to guide students towards the best path of success.

Future plans: Finding work that allows me to contribute to higher education and public policy.