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Policy Pathways and VCU Wilder School celebrate students' accomplishments at a Summer Academy capstone showcase
by Pulane Lucas
The 2024 session of the Summer Academy for Policy Leadership and Public Service, co-hosted by Policy Pathways and the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, culminated on Saturday, July 6, with a showcase of students’ capstone projects and a keynote address from Chandler Holeman.
Chandler Holeman is an alumna of both the 2022 Summer Academy for Policy Leadership and Public Service Online and Policy Pathways’ Policy Research Internship Program. Most recently, Chandler served as a delegate for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders and participated in Building Opportunities and Overtures in Science at Duke University.
“Policy Pathways’ work connects high school, community college and early college students from all communities and backgrounds to the vital work of public servants. Public service is a bold and noble profession. Policy Pathways uncovers talented future leaders through their outstanding programs, of which we are a proud supporter."
– Susan T. Gooden, Dean of the Wilder School
The 2024 Summer Academy cohort is made up of remarkable young people who yearn to learn, challenge, and transform themselves both in and outside of the classroom.
Shania Gibson, Richmond native and current attendee of Reynolds Community College, has poignant aspirations to help her community and one day, the world. She is interested in topics such as human rights, environmental change, homelessness, and anti-corruption, which she has acted upon by volunteering with the James River Parks system and at the Hillard House, working with unhoused children. From a young age, she shares, “I’ve always known the world could be better, but never thought my voice would be big enough to make a difference. As I’ve gotten older, I have met incredible people who were able to spark change from nothing. Individuals like that have helped me realize my voice does have effect; it can bring about change. Any voice can be used and heard, it is only a matter of sharing YOUR voice.” Shania seeks to use the Summer Academy as the “great first step” in her endeavor to “make bigger changes” in her community.
Neha Jain came to the academy to better understand the policy-making process, which will inform her future plans of making change through policy. She is most interested in the arenas of human rights and education. “I believe that everyone should be treated equally and have access to basic human rights, one of them being access to education,” she says. “After all, education empowers individuals and strengthens societies.” Alongside committing time to tennis, piano, and Model UN, she is working on a project to increase awareness of inclusivity at her high school. If all goes well, she will complete this undertaking with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Starting with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, she was “intrigued by the impact different policies have on people every day.” Hearing about the conflicts occurring around the world as well, such as in Palestine and Ukraine, further provoked her curiosity about the international impact of U.S. policies.
Raunak Kaur Rajani, on track to become the youngest licensed dance instructor of international Latin dance in the United States, has been involved in social issues for some time. She completed an internship at the Commonwealth Attorney's Office of Henrico which included watching court cases, reviewing reports of past crimes, listening to jail calls, and interviewing Assistant Commonwealth Attorneys to glean insight into the dangers of the city’s proximity to Highways I-95, I-64, and I-81. “My passion for debate and legislative processes fuel my interest in policy, providing me with a platform to advocate for informed policies that prioritize community safety and well-being,” she says. Raunak is a member of Model UN, Spanish club, Arabic and Art Honor Societies, and is a tutor, competitive dancer, and 2nd degree black belt in Mixed Martial Arts.
This year’s Capstone projects are as follows:
-The Environmental Hazards of Coal Dust in Hampton Roads, VA; Capstone Leader Pastor Lathaniel Kirts
-The Implications of Colonialism and Capitalism in Francophone Countries in West Africa; Capstone Leader Dr. Jacques Houssou
-Increasing the Number of Students of Color in Study Abroad Programs; Capstone Leader Ms. Verlisha Brandon
-The Issues and Challenges of Reporting In-Custody Deaths in Maryland; Capstone Leader Dr. Terence Keel
For more information about Policy Pathways and the Summer Academy for Policy Leadership and Public Service, please contact info@policypathways.org or (866) 465-6671.