Political science student from Lenexa earns prestigious fellowship
Monday, March 2, 2015
MANHATTAN — A Kansas State University junior in political science has received a nationally competitive fellowship from the Public Policy and International Affairs Program to attend its Junior Summer Institute this summer.
Shai Washington, Lenexa, has chosen to attend the institute's intensive seven-week program at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International affairs. The institute is designed to prepare college juniors for advanced degrees and for careers serving the public good. Its curriculum includes economics, statistics, domestic/international policy issues and leadership topics, all designed to sharpen the students’ quantitative, analytic and communication skills, which are vital for admission to top graduate programs in public and international affairs. All expenses are supported by the fellowship.
Junior Summer Institute programs also will be offered at the University of California, Berkeley; University of Michigan; and Carnegie Mellon University.
The political science department at Kansas State University is part of the College of Arts & Sciences.
"I was ecstatic when I found out," Washington said. "This is an incredible opportunity to really focus on the skills needed to be successful in an international or public affairs graduate program. I normally would not be able to participate in a program like this because of financial constraints. My career goal is to become a foreign service officer, and this as an amazing opportunity that will help me on this journey."
Involved in several activities at Kansas State University, Washington has served as a College of Arts & Sciences ambassador, university multicultural ambassador and a student blogger for the university's Office of Admissions. She also has been director of retention strategies for the Student Governing Association and a participant on the university's Model UN Team. A McNair scholar, Washington received a Quest Freshman Award to further her involvement in campus activities.
Washington, a graduate of Shawnee Mission West High School, is the daughter of Stephanie Grigsby, Lenexa.
