The University of Massachusetts Amherst

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Kelechi Ezemma Volunteers with the Harriet Tubman Project at MCI-Norfolk Correctional Facility

This summer Kelechi Ezemma, Public Policy ’26, is volunteering for the Harriet Tubman Project (HTP). This grassroots organization based at MCI-Norfolk Correctional Facility in Massachusetts strives to unpack structural racism. HTP works to reduce recidivism by providing participants with preventative and restorative services such as mental health, financial literacy, housing, computer literacy, and workforce training. HTP’s overarching goal is to eradicate mental slavery within institutions by educating participants about the legal and moral obligations within their fight for freedom.

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Katz co-authors new article on nonprofit endowments

Juniper Katz, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, recently published an article titled “Endowment building and use by nonprofits: An integration of theory and practice” in Nonprofit Management and Leadership.

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Sharrow publishes new book on Title IX

Libby Sharrow, Associate Professor of Public Policy and History, has published a new book titled “Equality Unfulfilled: How Title IX’s Policy Design Undermines Change to College Sport” (Cambridge University Press, July 2023).

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Announcing SPP’s Fall Kickoff event

On Friday, September 8, 2023, SPP will hold its annual Fall Kickoff to celebrate the start of a new academic year and welcome incoming students.

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Stoddard works on improving road safety during internship with U.S. Department of Transportation

Nicole Stoddard, Political Science and Public Policy ’25, is interning this summer with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the Massachusetts office through The Washington Center’s Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG).

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Schmidt Quoted in y!sports on Tax Exempt status

Since 2021 the NCAA has allowed college athletes to be paid for their names, images, and likeness. Fans of these players  have created nonprofit collectives to help the athletes set up such deals, but last month, the IRS took aim at those collectives, explaining they are not in compliance with the section of the tax code that provides charitable status.

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SPP Undergraduate Maya Couto Interns with MA Representative Dylan Fernandes

This summer public policy undergraduate Maya Couto (‘25) is interning for the Office of Representative Fernandes in Massachusetts. For this role, Couto puts together press clippings, researches bills and their context, and compiles an intern research project to share with Representative Fernandes. 

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Steph Gendron: SPP 2023 Presidential Management Fellow

SPP is pleased to announce that Stephanie (Steph) Gendron (MPPA 2023) has been selected as a 2023 Presidential Management Fellow (PMF). PMF is a very prestigious and selective federal government two-year employment rotation, training, and leadership development program.

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Undergraduates research Title IX college athletics, transgender inclusion, and policy opinion

Three undergraduate students–Caroline Boyle (‘25), Gabby Bilong (‘26), and Caroline Breen (‘26)–have teamed up with Associate Professor Libby Sharrow this summer to examine Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, college athletics, transgender inclusion, and policy opinion.

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Devinne Melecki, MPP ‘22, publishes article in Smithsonian Magazine

Devinne Melecki, MPP '22, recently published an article in Smithsonian Magazine titled "Cemeteries That Save the American Landscape."

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