What is NEW Leadership Puget Sound?
NEW (National Education for Women's) Leadership Puget Sound is an intensive six-day institute open to students who attend university or college in the Puget Sound region or who have a permanent residence here. The next leadership institute is scheduled for June 2008.
The NEW Leadership curriculum is designed to:
* Cultivate leadership skills
* Connect participants with women leaders who make a difference in civic life and the public sphere
* Help students explore the demands and rewards of leadership in a diverse society
* Empower students to practice leadership through action
During the institute students will:
* Meet with interesting and active women who are leaders in their communities, non-profit organizations, local and state government, and businesses
* Receive interactive skills training on public speaking, fundraising, negotiation & conflict resolution, diversity and networking
* Develop valuable social networks with peers and mentors
Graduates of the institute will receive information and assistance to help them continue to grow as leaders through involvement with the NEW Leadership Alumnae Association.
Find out more here.
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Monday, March 31, 2008
IHS Summer Programs
We've had students do these before and spoke well of them--
The Institute for Humane Studies will be extending the deadline to apply for our summer conferences to April 6, 2008. We know it is a busy time in the semester and we wanted to give your students an extra week to submit an application. Please let them know about this extension.
I also wanted to pass along information about the interesting lectures we’ve lined up for the Liberty & Society seminar series. These seminars go beyond the basics to explore more sophisticated arguments for liberty, offering participants the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in their studies.
This year the Liberty & Society seminars will focus on the history of classical liberal thought and its application to current issues, addressing topics such as:
* Egalitarianism vs. Individualism -- Discuss the debate between Rawls vs. Nozick and other thinkers.
* American Revolution and the Civil War -- Examine the importance of classical liberal ideas in understanding the history not only of the American Founding but the of Civil War as well.
* Public Choice and Education -- Address the school choice debate from a public choice economics perspective. Which interest groups benefit from keeping schools the way they are?
* Economic Freedom of the World Index -- Hear an economist speak about his work on the 2007 Economic Freedom of the World Index. Are there correlations between freedom and international development?
We’re also hosting 11 other conferences this summer on globalization, social change, the free press, and more. Visit www.TheIHS.org/seminar for more information, including dates, locations, and a full list of topics. Participation is free. IHS provides housing, meals, and books during the seminar.
Best Wishes,
Keri
Keri Anderson
Student Coordinator
Institute for Humane Studies
The Institute for Humane Studies will be extending the deadline to apply for our summer conferences to April 6, 2008. We know it is a busy time in the semester and we wanted to give your students an extra week to submit an application. Please let them know about this extension.
I also wanted to pass along information about the interesting lectures we’ve lined up for the Liberty & Society seminar series. These seminars go beyond the basics to explore more sophisticated arguments for liberty, offering participants the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in their studies.
This year the Liberty & Society seminars will focus on the history of classical liberal thought and its application to current issues, addressing topics such as:
* Egalitarianism vs. Individualism -- Discuss the debate between Rawls vs. Nozick and other thinkers.
* American Revolution and the Civil War -- Examine the importance of classical liberal ideas in understanding the history not only of the American Founding but the of Civil War as well.
* Public Choice and Education -- Address the school choice debate from a public choice economics perspective. Which interest groups benefit from keeping schools the way they are?
* Economic Freedom of the World Index -- Hear an economist speak about his work on the 2007 Economic Freedom of the World Index. Are there correlations between freedom and international development?
We’re also hosting 11 other conferences this summer on globalization, social change, the free press, and more. Visit www.TheIHS.org/seminar for more information, including dates, locations, and a full list of topics. Participation is free. IHS provides housing, meals, and books during the seminar.
Best Wishes,
Keri
Keri Anderson
Student Coordinator
Institute for Humane Studies
¿Puedo Hablar? May I Speak?
From Professor Share:
I’m writing to you as heads of programs that contributed to the visit of Christopher Moore, producer and co-director of a recently released documentary on Venezuelan politics (¿Puedo Hablar? May I speak?). Moore and a co-producer will be on campus Tuesday, April 22, 2008. He will screen his film at 4 p.m. in Rausch Auditorium (Mc 003) and then field questions. There will likely be a poster display somewhere on campus during the day.
I’d like to ask you to distribute this message to members of your department. Some might want to encourage their students to attend the film at 4, and others might be interested in having the filmmakers attend a class. The filmmakers are already scheduled to appear in my PG 380 (Latin American Politics) from 2-3:20 p.m., and it might be possible to find a bigger room and invite other classes to join us if there is interest. It is also possible that we could arrange visits to classes in the morning, so please let me know if you are interested. A PG student group is going to host either a dinner or lunch with the filmmakers.
More information about the film (including the trailer) and the filmmakers can be found at www.sol-productions.org
Thanks again for supporting this event,
Best,
Don
I’m writing to you as heads of programs that contributed to the visit of Christopher Moore, producer and co-director of a recently released documentary on Venezuelan politics (¿Puedo Hablar? May I speak?). Moore and a co-producer will be on campus Tuesday, April 22, 2008. He will screen his film at 4 p.m. in Rausch Auditorium (Mc 003) and then field questions. There will likely be a poster display somewhere on campus during the day.
I’d like to ask you to distribute this message to members of your department. Some might want to encourage their students to attend the film at 4, and others might be interested in having the filmmakers attend a class. The filmmakers are already scheduled to appear in my PG 380 (Latin American Politics) from 2-3:20 p.m., and it might be possible to find a bigger room and invite other classes to join us if there is interest. It is also possible that we could arrange visits to classes in the morning, so please let me know if you are interested. A PG student group is going to host either a dinner or lunch with the filmmakers.
More information about the film (including the trailer) and the filmmakers can be found at www.sol-productions.org
Thanks again for supporting this event,
Best,
Don
Watson Fellowship! Information Meetings!
From Professor Joshi, Watson liasion:
I am writing for three reasons. First to mention that this year we have two Watson winners, Emilie DeWulf and Rachel Gross. Please join me in congratulating these striking young women who are preparing to embark in August on exciting journeys across the globe.
Please also announce in your classes and/or email advisees and potential Watson students that we will be holding two Watson introductory meetings this month: Wednesday April 23, 5:30-6:30 pm OR Thursday April 24, 5:30-6:30 pm. Both will be in Wyatt 109. They are open to all but particularly pertinent for students applying in the Fall.
Finally, I am writing to ask your help in identifying potential Watson candidates. Because this fellowship is unique and because you know students best, you are well placed to identify a potential student and encourage him/her to consider the Watson
What is the Watson? The Watson Fellowship is a highly competitive and prestigious national fellowship that provides students with a $25,000 grant to pursue a year of travel outside the United States in the year after graduation. Fellows develop innovative projects that take them to diverse locations to address what are often highly idiosyncratic interests (e.g.: kite building, communities with lake monster myths, retracing Darwin’s Beagle journey, and our latest two: horse tack and training, and mountain huts). For a list of UPS’s Watsons, please go to: http://www2.ups.edu/watson/index.htm; for a list of national fellows, see: http://www.watsonfellowship.org/site/fellows/08_09.html. The program is highly selective, not only in fellows, but also in the roughly 50 colleges it invites as participating institutions. Puget Sound has been a “Watson school” since 1992 and we have been extremely successful in those years with one or two winners almost every year since 1994.
Who is a “potential Watson” student? Because the foundation places tremendous emphasis on identifying unique individuals who demonstrate self-reliance and spirit, a potential student is a bit different from those whom we typically think of for scholarships. Successful Watson applicants are not necessarily “A students.” Rather they are bold and original thinkers and very resourceful; they are young people who demonstrate curiosity and independent thinking (“moxie” to use the foundation’s term); they have strong interests, yet a flexible mind; are determined and able to deal with setbacks; have the ability to engage (listen, learn, and persuade) others. There is no one “profile”: quiet students do well, as do loquacious ones. What matters is that the student have a burning interest in pursuing a project (after all, she will be alone for a year in foreign locales, with only one this question to keep her going). Since the Watson program started, it has awarded fellowships to students from almost every major; students from no one disciplinary background appear to be more successful. If you think you know a student who fits such a profile, please encourage him/her to consider applying for a Watson and to contact me.
Thank you for your help. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at pjoshi@ups.edu.
I am writing for three reasons. First to mention that this year we have two Watson winners, Emilie DeWulf and Rachel Gross. Please join me in congratulating these striking young women who are preparing to embark in August on exciting journeys across the globe.
Please also announce in your classes and/or email advisees and potential Watson students that we will be holding two Watson introductory meetings this month: Wednesday April 23, 5:30-6:30 pm OR Thursday April 24, 5:30-6:30 pm. Both will be in Wyatt 109. They are open to all but particularly pertinent for students applying in the Fall.
Finally, I am writing to ask your help in identifying potential Watson candidates. Because this fellowship is unique and because you know students best, you are well placed to identify a potential student and encourage him/her to consider the Watson
What is the Watson? The Watson Fellowship is a highly competitive and prestigious national fellowship that provides students with a $25,000 grant to pursue a year of travel outside the United States in the year after graduation. Fellows develop innovative projects that take them to diverse locations to address what are often highly idiosyncratic interests (e.g.: kite building, communities with lake monster myths, retracing Darwin’s Beagle journey, and our latest two: horse tack and training, and mountain huts). For a list of UPS’s Watsons, please go to: http://www2.ups.edu/watson/index.htm; for a list of national fellows, see: http://www.watsonfellowship.org/site/fellows/08_09.html. The program is highly selective, not only in fellows, but also in the roughly 50 colleges it invites as participating institutions. Puget Sound has been a “Watson school” since 1992 and we have been extremely successful in those years with one or two winners almost every year since 1994.
Who is a “potential Watson” student? Because the foundation places tremendous emphasis on identifying unique individuals who demonstrate self-reliance and spirit, a potential student is a bit different from those whom we typically think of for scholarships. Successful Watson applicants are not necessarily “A students.” Rather they are bold and original thinkers and very resourceful; they are young people who demonstrate curiosity and independent thinking (“moxie” to use the foundation’s term); they have strong interests, yet a flexible mind; are determined and able to deal with setbacks; have the ability to engage (listen, learn, and persuade) others. There is no one “profile”: quiet students do well, as do loquacious ones. What matters is that the student have a burning interest in pursuing a project (after all, she will be alone for a year in foreign locales, with only one this question to keep her going). Since the Watson program started, it has awarded fellowships to students from almost every major; students from no one disciplinary background appear to be more successful. If you think you know a student who fits such a profile, please encourage him/her to consider applying for a Watson and to contact me.
Thank you for your help. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at pjoshi@ups.edu.
Friday, March 28, 2008
No Friday post; SF for me
I'm at SeaTac waiting for my flight to San Francisco where I'm headed to the International Studies Association Annual Conference. I expect to see many academics, badly dressed, shuffling about. Not a pretty sight. Back blogging on Monday--
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Geoff LeGrand '10 Summers in DC
Geoff LeGrand has secured a paid internship with Congressman Adam Smith's office in DC this summer. Congrats and thanks to those alums who helped with this. Any alums in DC who'd meet Geoff for lunch or a cup of coffee? If so, leave a comment below or drop me an email. Thanks!
Satellite Stump
I like coffee. A lot. I drink huge quantities of it, black, on a daily basis. And so when I was in Portland last week I made a pilgrimage to Stumptown Coffee, known for their obsessive relationship to the beverage. Turns out there are two local connections. The founder is originally from Puyallup, and there's only one place between Seattle and Portland that has been authorized to serve Stumptown: Satellite Coffee, just north of Wright Park. Read about it in the News Tribune; about Stumptown in the New York Times. And if you're local, check out Satellite--they brew a mean mug of java.
Professor Jacobson makes the news
We haven't spoken much about our two searches this fall, both of which were an unqualified success. Let's start with one of them. We are excited to be welcoming Professor Robin Jacobson to our department in fall 2009--yes, 2009, unfortunately, since various complications prevent her from joining us earlier. Currently Professor Jacobson is teaching at Bucknell University. The other day Professor Jacobson was interviewed for an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education on immigration and the presidential campaign. Professor Jacobson is the author of the forthcoming book The New Nativism: Proposition 187 and the Debate Over Immigration. Read her contributions to the Chronicle article here; and we look forward to your joining us, Professor Jacobson!
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Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Student Summer Research Funds on Canada
2008 Canadian Studies Student Research Awards
Thanks to a grant from the Canadian government, the university is able to offer two grants of up to US$500 each to support student research that in some significant way involves Canada or Canadians. Students from all fields of study, both undergraduate and graduate, are eligible for these awards.
Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2008
Evaluation Criteria:
A faculty panel will review proposals and award funds based on the clarity, strength, and completeness of the written proposal, the role of Canada in the proposed project, the appropriateness of the proposed budget, and the strength of a supporting letter from a faculty advisor to the project.
Responsibilities of award holders:
At the conclusion of the project, the student must submit an accounting of the use of the funds and a 1000-word written final report of the research conducted. These combined materials should be sent to Associate Dean Lisa Ferrari (Jones 212, CMB 1020) by September 30, 2008. A copy of the final report should also be submitted to the faculty sponsor.
Application materials:
All materials should be typed, except the application form.
1. Application form
2. Project proposal
Maximum of 5 pages, including the following elements:
a. Project Purpose and Background: Discuss the value of your research to your major or discipline. Your discussion should be accessible to educated people outside of your field, but should also indicate your facility with concepts and context specific to your field.
b. Methods of Study: Discuss the hypotheses of your research and the methods by which you will investigate them.
c. Student’s Preparation for this Research: Discuss the elements of your studies, work, or other experiences that have prepared you to perform this research well.
d. Bibliography: Please indicate which works are cited in your proposal, and which are materials you plan to examine as part of your project.
3. Budget
Outline your anticipated research expenses, including the expected cost of each item.
4. Letter of Support
Obtain a letter of support from the faculty advisor for your project. This letter should address factors such as project value and feasibility, the centrality of Canada to the research project, and the relevance of the project to the student’s educational program. Faculty Advisors should also comment on the accuracy of the proposed budget.
Submit the original and three (3) copies of the complete application materials to Associate Dean Lisa Ferrari (Jones 212, CMB 1020) by Friday, April 25, 2008.
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Thanks to a grant from the Canadian government, the university is able to offer two grants of up to US$500 each to support student research that in some significant way involves Canada or Canadians. Students from all fields of study, both undergraduate and graduate, are eligible for these awards.
Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2008
Evaluation Criteria:
A faculty panel will review proposals and award funds based on the clarity, strength, and completeness of the written proposal, the role of Canada in the proposed project, the appropriateness of the proposed budget, and the strength of a supporting letter from a faculty advisor to the project.
Responsibilities of award holders:
At the conclusion of the project, the student must submit an accounting of the use of the funds and a 1000-word written final report of the research conducted. These combined materials should be sent to Associate Dean Lisa Ferrari (Jones 212, CMB 1020) by September 30, 2008. A copy of the final report should also be submitted to the faculty sponsor.
Application materials:
All materials should be typed, except the application form.
1. Application form
2. Project proposal
Maximum of 5 pages, including the following elements:
a. Project Purpose and Background: Discuss the value of your research to your major or discipline. Your discussion should be accessible to educated people outside of your field, but should also indicate your facility with concepts and context specific to your field.
b. Methods of Study: Discuss the hypotheses of your research and the methods by which you will investigate them.
c. Student’s Preparation for this Research: Discuss the elements of your studies, work, or other experiences that have prepared you to perform this research well.
d. Bibliography: Please indicate which works are cited in your proposal, and which are materials you plan to examine as part of your project.
3. Budget
Outline your anticipated research expenses, including the expected cost of each item.
4. Letter of Support
Obtain a letter of support from the faculty advisor for your project. This letter should address factors such as project value and feasibility, the centrality of Canada to the research project, and the relevance of the project to the student’s educational program. Faculty Advisors should also comment on the accuracy of the proposed budget.
Submit the original and three (3) copies of the complete application materials to Associate Dean Lisa Ferrari (Jones 212, CMB 1020) by Friday, April 25, 2008.
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FIGHT traffic on campus this Saturday
Hello! I am writing to inform you of an event that will be taking place on campus this weekend that may be of interest to faculty and students within your specific departments. On Saturday, March 29 F.I.G.H.T., an anti-human trafficking club at UPS, will be hosting a semi-formal benefit dinner in the Rotunda from 5:30-7:00pm. There will be a guest speaker from the Tronie Foundation, an organization located in Olympia that has recently opened one of the only shelters in the United States for victims of human trafficking. The speaker, Rani Hong, is herself a survivor and has spoken across the country, before government organizations, and appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. She will speaking about the realities of slavery's existence in the modern world, including the US. The event is free, including dinner and dessert, but donations are suggested and appreciated, as all funds collected will go directly to the Tronie Foundation. There will also be a small silent auction to help raise money. Space is somewhat limited, so RSVPs are also appreciated. Anyone interested may do so by e-mailing Alicia Portillo at lportillo@ups.edu.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kammi Sheeler, F.I.G.H.T. member
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kammi Sheeler, F.I.G.H.T. member
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The world as seen by...
The world through the eyes of editors-in-chief of various publications in 2007, based on the attention they pay to different parts of the world. Graphically interesting if not the most scientific study. Read more about it here. Hat tip: Darrel Frost '04
Peace Alliance Internship
Peace Alliance - Legislative Strategist Intern - Washington, DC, USA
The Peace Alliance is currently offering the following position(s):
Legislative Strategist Intern
The Peace Alliance is seeking an intern for the position of Legislative Strategist in a grassroots movement.
The Peace Alliance, a 501(c)4 nonprofit, is a nonpartisan citizen action organization whose mission is to empower civic activism for a culture of peace. Our vision is a future in which the practical programs and principles of peacebuilding a re the bedrock of our personal, national and global interest and investment. Our goal is to take the field of peacebuilding from the margins of the political and societal dialogue and bring it to its rightful place: Central to our policymaking, investment and understanding. We achieve this primarily through a massive public education, outreach and citizen lobbying effort. Our current focus is the campaign for a cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace. There is currently a bill before the U.S. House of Representatives, HR 808, to establish a United States Department of Peace.
The Legislative Strategist will work with the national leadership of the Campaign to craft a comprehensive and cohesive legislative strategy that supports grassroots organizers in targeting their lobbying actions on Capitol Hill to generate new cosponsors for HR 808.
This position will work with leadership to understand individual Congressmembers' positions and needs; prioritize efforts; educate, inform, and equip grassroots lobbyists with necessary materials; create new actions; and mold this position to maximize the potential that unfolds daily in grassroots, non-hierarchical structures.
This is an ideal internship for someone who generates ideas easily, excels at working in partnership to produce a mature and feasible plan, and can see the plan to fruition.
This is a part-time position. The ideal applicant will be nearing completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in political science with an interest and/or experience in legislative strategy and/or the fields of peacebuilding, conflict resolution and grassroots organizing. Must be a self-starter with excellent research and verbal and written communication skills; work easily with diverse and geographically dispersed volunteers; excel in collaborative work environments; be able to create maximum impact with minimum resources; and be committed to being! peace in the world.
Work location is 1730 Rhode Islan d Ave NW, Suite 712, Washington, DC.
If interested, please email a cover letter and resume to Kathy Kidd or call (202) 296-1187.
For more information on this position or volunteer opportunities with a Peace Alliance regional chapter near you see http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/464/467/
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The Peace Alliance is currently offering the following position(s):
Legislative Strategist Intern
The Peace Alliance is seeking an intern for the position of Legislative Strategist in a grassroots movement.
The Peace Alliance, a 501(c)4 nonprofit, is a nonpartisan citizen action organization whose mission is to empower civic activism for a culture of peace. Our vision is a future in which the practical programs and principles of peacebuilding a re the bedrock of our personal, national and global interest and investment. Our goal is to take the field of peacebuilding from the margins of the political and societal dialogue and bring it to its rightful place: Central to our policymaking, investment and understanding. We achieve this primarily through a massive public education, outreach and citizen lobbying effort. Our current focus is the campaign for a cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace. There is currently a bill before the U.S. House of Representatives, HR 808, to establish a United States Department of Peace.
The Legislative Strategist will work with the national leadership of the Campaign to craft a comprehensive and cohesive legislative strategy that supports grassroots organizers in targeting their lobbying actions on Capitol Hill to generate new cosponsors for HR 808.
This position will work with leadership to understand individual Congressmembers' positions and needs; prioritize efforts; educate, inform, and equip grassroots lobbyists with necessary materials; create new actions; and mold this position to maximize the potential that unfolds daily in grassroots, non-hierarchical structures.
This is an ideal internship for someone who generates ideas easily, excels at working in partnership to produce a mature and feasible plan, and can see the plan to fruition.
This is a part-time position. The ideal applicant will be nearing completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in political science with an interest and/or experience in legislative strategy and/or the fields of peacebuilding, conflict resolution and grassroots organizing. Must be a self-starter with excellent research and verbal and written communication skills; work easily with diverse and geographically dispersed volunteers; excel in collaborative work environments; be able to create maximum impact with minimum resources; and be committed to being! peace in the world.
Work location is 1730 Rhode Islan d Ave NW, Suite 712, Washington, DC.
If interested, please email a cover letter and resume to Kathy Kidd or call (202) 296-1187.
For more information on this position or volunteer opportunities with a Peace Alliance regional chapter near you see http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/464/467/
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Monday, March 24, 2008
Green Career Fair
You don't have to go in a hemp shirt to get a job.
Green Careers panelists hold and are pursuing degrees in a variety of subjects: International Economic Analysis, Spanish and Global Studies, Philosophy, Politics and Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Urban Ecology, Photography, Social Management of Technology.
Their experiences range from advising local community gardeners on improving urban soils to acting as social entrepreneurs, creating non-profits in developing countries to working as members of Corporate Social Responsibility teams.
We invite you to attend, and also ask that you encourage your students to participate by forwarding this message:
Is Earth Day your favorite holiday?
Are you passionate about "saving the planet?"
Do you strive to reduce your eco-footprint to zero?
Join us at Pizza and Professionals: Green Careers
Wednesday, March 26, Noon - 1:00 pm
Wheelock Student Center, Room 101
Nearly every industry is expanding its Green Career options. All organizations, green or not, need talented staff. By choosing employers who are committed to sustainable practices, you can combine your concern for the environment with a satisfying career path.
For more information about our panelists, visit Green Careers.
Green Careers panelists hold and are pursuing degrees in a variety of subjects: International Economic Analysis, Spanish and Global Studies, Philosophy, Politics and Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Urban Ecology, Photography, Social Management of Technology.
Their experiences range from advising local community gardeners on improving urban soils to acting as social entrepreneurs, creating non-profits in developing countries to working as members of Corporate Social Responsibility teams.
We invite you to attend, and also ask that you encourage your students to participate by forwarding this message:
Is Earth Day your favorite holiday?
Are you passionate about "saving the planet?"
Do you strive to reduce your eco-footprint to zero?
Join us at Pizza and Professionals: Green Careers
Wednesday, March 26, Noon - 1:00 pm
Wheelock Student Center, Room 101
Nearly every industry is expanding its Green Career options. All organizations, green or not, need talented staff. By choosing employers who are committed to sustainable practices, you can combine your concern for the environment with a satisfying career path.
For more information about our panelists, visit Green Careers.
Obama campaign wants your help
From the Obama folks:
We need some help over the next couple days processing our voter data for the legislative district caucuses. This will be an online project that students could help out with from anywhere. Any leads you could provide would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Mike French
Delegate Team
Obama for America
mfrench@barackobama.com
(775) 722-0553
We need some help over the next couple days processing our voter data for the legislative district caucuses. This will be an online project that students could help out with from anywhere. Any leads you could provide would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Mike French
Delegate Team
Obama for America
mfrench@barackobama.com
(775) 722-0553
Work the polls
Jerri Powers of the Piece County Election Department is looking to recruit students to work the polls this coming fall. Do your civic duty! Ms. Powers contact number is 253.798.6587.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Spring Break
We've gone on blogging hiatus for Spring Break. To all students and alums, I hope that wherever you are you see some sign of spring ahead.
New Organizing Insitute Bootcamp
NOI Campaign Bootcamp (Summer 2008)
Graduating this spring? Want to work in progressive politics? Hoping to get on a 2008 campaign? If you say "yes" to any of the below, NOI's campaign bootcamp might be for you. (Or, if you are not a recent college graduate, this training is also for people looking to make a career change into progressive politics.)
At NOI's campaign bootcamp, you'll spend one intensive week learning the fundamentals of traditional political campaigning... plus how to leverage technology to maximize a campaign's fundraising and organizing potential.
Apply by April 15.
During the day, you'll learn from Clinton, Obama, Richardson, Dodd, and MoveOn alums; experts in voter files, microtargeting, paid advertising, and earned media; top bloggers and respected authors; and dynamic professionals working in the fields of online organizing and political technology. Past Trainers >>
In the evening, you'll work in teams to put the lessons of the day to work on a mock campaign. By the time you leave, you'll be ready to go work for a progressive campaign or organization.
As an NOI alum, you'll have instant access to dozens of exciting opportunities in this field, and a permanent network to lean on for career support and strategic advice. Admission is highly competitive. All expenses (including meals and accommodations) are paid. Don't miss out. Apply today.
DEADLINE FOR EARLY ADMISSION: April 1, 2008
FINAL DEADLINE: April 15, 2008
TRAINING DATES: June 29 - July 6
Graduating this spring? Want to work in progressive politics? Hoping to get on a 2008 campaign? If you say "yes" to any of the below, NOI's campaign bootcamp might be for you. (Or, if you are not a recent college graduate, this training is also for people looking to make a career change into progressive politics.)
At NOI's campaign bootcamp, you'll spend one intensive week learning the fundamentals of traditional political campaigning... plus how to leverage technology to maximize a campaign's fundraising and organizing potential.
Apply by April 15.
During the day, you'll learn from Clinton, Obama, Richardson, Dodd, and MoveOn alums; experts in voter files, microtargeting, paid advertising, and earned media; top bloggers and respected authors; and dynamic professionals working in the fields of online organizing and political technology. Past Trainers >>
In the evening, you'll work in teams to put the lessons of the day to work on a mock campaign. By the time you leave, you'll be ready to go work for a progressive campaign or organization.
As an NOI alum, you'll have instant access to dozens of exciting opportunities in this field, and a permanent network to lean on for career support and strategic advice. Admission is highly competitive. All expenses (including meals and accommodations) are paid. Don't miss out. Apply today.
DEADLINE FOR EARLY ADMISSION: April 1, 2008
FINAL DEADLINE: April 15, 2008
TRAINING DATES: June 29 - July 6
Friday, March 14, 2008
Linz Heppe '07 update: DC, grad school, intern life
From Linz Heppe '07:
My internship at the Protection Project has swung into high gear and I love it there! I am just finishing up some of the annual TIP (Trafficking in Persons) country reports. I have been working on the Middle East as my region, and have thus far completed my reports for Tunisia, Lebanon, Oman, and Iraq. I will be completing Saudi Arabia sometime in the near future.
I have also been hooked up with Professor Ahmad Iravani who is affiliated with the Catholic University of America in D.C. He studied in Iran and has focused on Islamic theology and philosophy, human rights and women's rights, international law and ethics etc. He received his B.A., M.A. and PhD in Iran. We will be focusing on the link between politics and religion in Islam, and will be focusing primarily on the philosopher Jacques Maritain. Maritain was very influential when drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. His philosophy was based upon the idea that without spirituality, the wholeness of the person/human/humanity, cannot be realized.
My internship at the Protection Project has swung into high gear and I love it there! I am just finishing up some of the annual TIP (Trafficking in Persons) country reports. I have been working on the Middle East as my region, and have thus far completed my reports for Tunisia, Lebanon, Oman, and Iraq. I will be completing Saudi Arabia sometime in the near future.
I have also been hooked up with Professor Ahmad Iravani who is affiliated with the Catholic University of America in D.C. He studied in Iran and has focused on Islamic theology and philosophy, human rights and women's rights, international law and ethics etc. He received his B.A., M.A. and PhD in Iran. We will be focusing on the link between politics and religion in Islam, and will be focusing primarily on the philosopher Jacques Maritain. Maritain was very influential when drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. His philosophy was based upon the idea that without spirituality, the wholeness of the person/human/humanity, cannot be realized.
I have also been accepted to George Washington University's Security Policy Studies program!! I received my letter (packet) in the mail yesterday and could not stop glowing.
My Arabic studies are going very well, and I am thankful that next semester I will be able to take the language from the same professor (since I will be obtaining a Masters from the same school). I feel like I've learned SO much Arabic in the past couple months, equivalent to the 5 years of Spanish I have taken in the past. I can already carry on conversation with native Arabic speakers, of which I now have many.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Go forth, multiply...and rule?
From a great political science blog, The Monkey Cage, on dynastic succession in democratic and non-democratic countries:
Read the discussion and link to the original article here.
How, then, to ensure that one can trust one’s likely successor to carry on as one would wish? Because blood is thicker than water, the safest route is to keep it all in the family. For the leader of a non-democratic system, then, the best way to assure a “trustworthy succession match” is to sire a whole lot of children, in hopes that by the luck of the genetic draw one of them will turn out to be a "person who can successfully maintain the regime..."
By contrast, leaders in democratic systems find themselves more hemmed in by those bothersome checks and balance, and so many people besides the leader have a say in the choice of their successor that democratic leaders can’t do all that much to determine who is next in the line of succession anyway.
From these considerations...leaders of non-democratic systems will sire more children than their democratic counterparts, in hopes of finding the trustworthy succession match that they so avidly seek.
Sounds pretty far-fetched, doesn’t it?
...based on the composition of the families of 221 leaders worldwide and a wide array of country- and leader-level data, indicate that the leaders of non-democracies do indeed produce more offspring than the leaders of democracies...Read the discussion and link to the original article here.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Summer programs: Go, get involved
there are a bunch of short summer programs/conferences/event-y things for students in DC and other places around the country. Many of them cover all expenses except air travel. You should check them out. Here's a collected list; in some cases the links are not totally up to date, so if there's a broken link make certain to go back to the core URL and look for updated information. These are good opportunities and can help make your resume stand out.
http://del.icio.us/upspolitics/summerprograms
http://del.icio.us/upspolitics/summerprograms
Campaign consulting job opportunity! Now!
Wanted: Campaign Staff
Looking for a chance to be involved in a grass roots campaign?
Interested in making a difference in our community?
Moxie Media a full service campaign consulting firm is seeking energetic and motivated applicants. The open campaign staff positions will be focused on field work such as doorbelling, phone calling, and volunteer recruitment and utilization. Staff will also gain a unique hands approach to public policy development and implementation. The open staff positions are for local, state, and federal candidates/races in the South King County, Pierce County, and Kitsap County areas. Salary range is $2,000 to 2,500 a month, with a generous bonus for winning campaigns. Resumes and references are due by 3/24/08. Please send resumes or forward questions to:john@moxiemedia.biz
Tags:
Looking for a chance to be involved in a grass roots campaign?
Interested in making a difference in our community?
Moxie Media a full service campaign consulting firm is seeking energetic and motivated applicants. The open campaign staff positions will be focused on field work such as doorbelling, phone calling, and volunteer recruitment and utilization. Staff will also gain a unique hands approach to public policy development and implementation. The open staff positions are for local, state, and federal candidates/races in the South King County, Pierce County, and Kitsap County areas. Salary range is $2,000 to 2,500 a month, with a generous bonus for winning campaigns. Resumes and references are due by 3/24/08. Please send resumes or forward questions to:john@moxiemedia.biz
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Morocco
Peter Stanley '08 is currently on study abroad in Morocco, and has taken some nice pictures. I have no details about most of what we're looking at (maybe he'll chime in), but I like their beauty and wanted to share them. (update: note Peter's comment below)
Peter says that this is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter (which is curious to me--I'm not aware of mosques typically being closed to non-believers)
Fez
Peter says that this is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter (which is curious to me--I'm not aware of mosques typically being closed to non-believers)Fez
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Video my blog; blog my video
Instructional Technology on campus made a video about our blog. I'm the star, complete with my tie peeking out from under my collar. No Hollywood contract for me.
Thanks for the work on this, IT overlords!
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Monday, March 10, 2008
Plagiarism Sucks
And in fact I've just plagiarized that title from a recent essay in Slate that rails against the practice. Is technology making it harder for us to recognize the difference between our work and that of others, when it's so easy to cut and paste? Have we gotten lazier? Has nothing really changed? Something else entirely? Hat tip: Professor Sousa.
Kroc Institute for Peace Internship, San Diego
University of San Diego, Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice (IPJ) - Summer Interns - San Diego, California, USA
University of San Diego
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 28
Dates:
The Summer 2008 internship will begin Wednesday, June 4, and end Friday, August 22.
Intern Responsibilities:
Assist with the development of IPJ projects and events, including research assistance, support to events, and a small amount of administrative support.
Qualifications:
* Enrollment, with senior status, in an undergraduate program; or enrollment in a graduate program; or a recent degree in a field related to peace studies, human rights, or international relations.
* GPA of 2.75 or higher.
* Excellent writing skills.
* Minimum of 15, and preferably up to 20, hours per week.
To Apply: Please visit the IPJ website at http ://peace.sandiego.edu and click on "Programs," then "Internship Opportunities," to download an application form and view other requirements. If you have additional questions, please call (619) 260-7573 or send an email to Elena McCollim at emccollim@sandiego.edu. The internship is unpaid. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the information on the internship webpage to learn more about the internship.
Please note that while we encourage international applicants, we cannot provide them with assistance in securing a visa, nor cover the costs of the visa and the health insurance required by USD.
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University of San Diego
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 28
Dates:
The Summer 2008 internship will begin Wednesday, June 4, and end Friday, August 22.
Intern Responsibilities:
Assist with the development of IPJ projects and events, including research assistance, support to events, and a small amount of administrative support.
Qualifications:
* Enrollment, with senior status, in an undergraduate program; or enrollment in a graduate program; or a recent degree in a field related to peace studies, human rights, or international relations.
* GPA of 2.75 or higher.
* Excellent writing skills.
* Minimum of 15, and preferably up to 20, hours per week.
To Apply: Please visit the IPJ website at http ://peace.sandiego.edu and click on "Programs," then "Internship Opportunities," to download an application form and view other requirements. If you have additional questions, please call (619) 260-7573 or send an email to Elena McCollim at emccollim@sandiego.edu. The internship is unpaid. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the information on the internship webpage to learn more about the internship.
Please note that while we encourage international applicants, we cannot provide them with assistance in securing a visa, nor cover the costs of the visa and the health insurance required by USD.
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Friday, March 07, 2008
Congrats to Yusuf Word, new student body president
Congrats to PG minor Yusuf Word, who triumphed over tough competition to be elected UPS' new study body president. Not surprisingly, I think every ticket consisted of at least one PG major, scrambling for the levers of power. Way to go, Yusuf!
A Chocolate Tour of Seattle
Who needs Napa when you can tour the chocolate foundaries of Seattle? And you won't get a DUI, either.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Project on the Middle East Student Conferences
Young Global Leaders Forum:
Democratic Development in the Middle East and North Africa
Americans for Informed Democracy (AID), the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) and their regional partners are organizing a series of conferences in the Middle East dedicated to fostering systemic political reform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and exploring how the U.S. can best support it. The participants will be a diverse group of American and MENA university students and young professionals who develop policy recommendations at conferences in Morocco, Egypt and Jordan in spring 2008. The conferences will lay the foundation for a lasting network of reform-oriented young people by using social networking websites for political activism, fostering people-powered journalism and commentary, and providing training for participants to act as “voices” for the conference recommendations.
AID and POMED have partnered with six regional partners to conceptualize, organize and conduct these conferences and follow-up activities. At a time when Middle East and North African attitudes toward American policies are near a dangerously low point, a forum involving the key constituency of university students and young professionals is needed more urgently than ever before. This forum will a) bring together diverse groups of young American and MENA leaders to reach a more shared understanding of cooperative ways to address global challenges; b) practice democracy by developing and ratifying innovative policy recommendations to present to U.S. and regional officials and policymakers; c) prepare the participants for “reverse public diplomacy” in their home communities; and d) create a sustainable dialogue network to facilitate enduring discussion of the conferences’ reform agenda and recommendations. For more information on each of the conferences:
Morocco, April 25-26, 2008 — “Find Your Voice: A Cross-Cultural Forum on Political Participation and Civic Activism”
Egypt, May 2-3, 2008 — “Beyond Borders: An Egyptian-American Dialogue”
Jordan, May 29-31, 2008 — “We Are Connected, But Are We Communicating? American Foreign Policy and Jordanian Society: A Dialogue”
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Democratic Development in the Middle East and North Africa
Americans for Informed Democracy (AID), the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) and their regional partners are organizing a series of conferences in the Middle East dedicated to fostering systemic political reform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and exploring how the U.S. can best support it. The participants will be a diverse group of American and MENA university students and young professionals who develop policy recommendations at conferences in Morocco, Egypt and Jordan in spring 2008. The conferences will lay the foundation for a lasting network of reform-oriented young people by using social networking websites for political activism, fostering people-powered journalism and commentary, and providing training for participants to act as “voices” for the conference recommendations.
AID and POMED have partnered with six regional partners to conceptualize, organize and conduct these conferences and follow-up activities. At a time when Middle East and North African attitudes toward American policies are near a dangerously low point, a forum involving the key constituency of university students and young professionals is needed more urgently than ever before. This forum will a) bring together diverse groups of young American and MENA leaders to reach a more shared understanding of cooperative ways to address global challenges; b) practice democracy by developing and ratifying innovative policy recommendations to present to U.S. and regional officials and policymakers; c) prepare the participants for “reverse public diplomacy” in their home communities; and d) create a sustainable dialogue network to facilitate enduring discussion of the conferences’ reform agenda and recommendations. For more information on each of the conferences:
Morocco, April 25-26, 2008 — “Find Your Voice: A Cross-Cultural Forum on Political Participation and Civic Activism”
Egypt, May 2-3, 2008 — “Beyond Borders: An Egyptian-American Dialogue”
Jordan, May 29-31, 2008 — “We Are Connected, But Are We Communicating? American Foreign Policy and Jordanian Society: A Dialogue”
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Student Global Health Summit, London
Global Health Summit – London - April 18-20th, 2008
We are pleased to announce its Spring 2008 Global Health summit in London, United Kingdom. The summit will assemble high-achieving young global leaders for workshops, speakers, and discussions on the theme of Global Health. The summit will take place at Syracuse University's Campus in downtown London.
The summit will feature issue-specific panels and lectures, skill-building workshops, strategies for talking about the economic, social, cultural and rights aspects of global health, and a Do-It-Yourself opportunity where students will choose to either design a campaign to run on their campus, or write a policy proposal. There will also be sessions on how to organize health events and take action on campus and in the community. The summit will also include panel discussions with top policymakers, journalists, and scholars. For more information, and to register for this event, click here http://www.aidemocracy.org/london/april08.php .
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We are pleased to announce its Spring 2008 Global Health summit in London, United Kingdom. The summit will assemble high-achieving young global leaders for workshops, speakers, and discussions on the theme of Global Health. The summit will take place at Syracuse University's Campus in downtown London.
The summit will feature issue-specific panels and lectures, skill-building workshops, strategies for talking about the economic, social, cultural and rights aspects of global health, and a Do-It-Yourself opportunity where students will choose to either design a campaign to run on their campus, or write a policy proposal. There will also be sessions on how to organize health events and take action on campus and in the community. The summit will also include panel discussions with top policymakers, journalists, and scholars. For more information, and to register for this event, click here http://www.aidemocracy.org/london/april08.php .
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
UPS NYT and Kidneys
Excerpt from the New York Times:
Ms. Ausnes, an administrative assistant for student government at the University of Puget Sound, said she had been buying her morning coffee at this Starbucks, at North Proctor and 26th Streets, for three years. She has known for nearly two decades that she has a kidney disease, but her kidney function has declined significantly recently.
...In November, not long after that conversation, Ms. Ausnes stopped into Starbucks as usual, but this time Ms. Andersen noticed that her customer was glum. Ms. Ausnes finally told her the news, and the response was instantaneous.
“I’m going to get tested,” Ms. Andersen said.
And she did. Blood type O? Yes, a match. Negative cross-match under the microscope? Yes, perfect. The six elusive DNA markers? One of six was alike, not ideal, but good enough.
So there they were that morning last fall, crying over the counter while the coffee line grew longer.
Both women expect to be in the hospital for about a week then to be out of work for up to six weeks. Howard D. Schultz, the chief executive of Starbucks, called both women and told Ms. Andersen “how proud I am to have someone like you working for our company.”
Read the whole thing here.
Ms. Ausnes, an administrative assistant for student government at the University of Puget Sound, said she had been buying her morning coffee at this Starbucks, at North Proctor and 26th Streets, for three years. She has known for nearly two decades that she has a kidney disease, but her kidney function has declined significantly recently.
...In November, not long after that conversation, Ms. Ausnes stopped into Starbucks as usual, but this time Ms. Andersen noticed that her customer was glum. Ms. Ausnes finally told her the news, and the response was instantaneous.
“I’m going to get tested,” Ms. Andersen said.
And she did. Blood type O? Yes, a match. Negative cross-match under the microscope? Yes, perfect. The six elusive DNA markers? One of six was alike, not ideal, but good enough.
So there they were that morning last fall, crying over the counter while the coffee line grew longer.
Both women expect to be in the hospital for about a week then to be out of work for up to six weeks. Howard D. Schultz, the chief executive of Starbucks, called both women and told Ms. Andersen “how proud I am to have someone like you working for our company.”
Read the whole thing here.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Student Internship: Canadian Consulate, Seattle
Get international experience without having to go abroad. We have good connections to the consulate, so if you are interested please contact the department before you apply--
Consulate General of Canada. Consulate général du Canada
STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
CANADIAN CONSULATE GENERAL SEATTLE
The Canadian Consulate General Seattle seeks university interns who wish to experience working for a foreign government in the United States. These positions are non-paid. However, most interns earn course-credit through an independent study as arranged with a professor.
Internships are for a minimum of 8-10 weeks and 9 hours per week. Interns are normally placed in the Political, Economic & Public Affairs Section and work on current projects. They must be computer / database proficient.
Interested students should apply no less than 90 days prior to their anticipated start-date (beginning of semester, quarter, term) as those selected must undergo a Government of Canada background / security check. Interns are provided an email account with Foreign Affairs Canada.
Interested students should contact:
Kevin Cook
Political, Economic & Academic Officer
Canadian Consulate General
1501 Fourth Avenue
Suite 600
Seattle WA 98101
206-770-4065
kevin.cook@jnternational.gc.ca
Tags:
Consulate General of Canada. Consulate général du Canada
STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
CANADIAN CONSULATE GENERAL SEATTLE
The Canadian Consulate General Seattle seeks university interns who wish to experience working for a foreign government in the United States. These positions are non-paid. However, most interns earn course-credit through an independent study as arranged with a professor.
Internships are for a minimum of 8-10 weeks and 9 hours per week. Interns are normally placed in the Political, Economic & Public Affairs Section and work on current projects. They must be computer / database proficient.
Interested students should apply no less than 90 days prior to their anticipated start-date (beginning of semester, quarter, term) as those selected must undergo a Government of Canada background / security check. Interns are provided an email account with Foreign Affairs Canada.
Interested students should contact:
Kevin Cook
Political, Economic & Academic Officer
Canadian Consulate General
1501 Fourth Avenue
Suite 600
Seattle WA 98101
206-770-4065
kevin.cook@jnternational.gc.ca
Tags:
Wintergrass 2008
Sundays are lower key as folks head out, but I like to go on Sundays since there is kids' stage which my three-year-old likes to attend. I shot some video with my little camera; audio is not very good but you get a sense of the spirit. A must-attend event if you are in town.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Security Studies--Centers of Excellence
An interesting piece on new investments in regional and security studies at various universities--including University of Washington. Thanks to Mark Scott '74 for the tip.
Spy search to spotlight on diversity
By Sara Carter
Washington Times
February 28, 2008
The best spies were once well-heeled students recruited from the East Coast's Ivy League universities. That thinking has changed.
The intelligence community's need for prospects fluent in languages ranging from Arabic to Chinese, and with varying skin colors and religious backgrounds, has forced it to expand its pool of schools.
"There are gold nuggets out there who we overlooked, and we don't want to do that anymore," said Lenora Peters Gant, who is leading an effort by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to broaden the search for intelligence professionals.
To do so, ODNI, which oversees the United States' 16 intelligence agencies, is pumping money into 10 universities that offer national security degrees through its fledgling Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) grant program.
"This was one way to tap women, first- and second-generation foreign students and other minorities," said Ms. Gant, CAE director. She added that the previous focus on predominantly white universities was a limiting relic of the community's pre-September 11, Cold War mind-set.
Mark Clark, director of the National Security Studies program at California State University in San Bernardino, says finding students with the aptitude to work in the intelligence community "might lead to the unsuspecting kid next door."
"With this funding, we are able to send our students to study foreign language abroad," said Mr. Clark, who speaks Russian fluently. "Many American students have never traveled outside the U.S. The assistance opens up the world to them."
Based on ODNI criteria, students in Mr. Clark's program can study counterterrorism, homeland security, counterintelligence and risk analysis, as well as other skills.
The idea that the agencies are solely looking for covert operatives is "a myth," said Ms. Gant, emphasizing graduates can become State Department analysts, Capitol Hill aides or civilian Pentagon employees.
The intelligence community is looking for people with the ability to bring a different perspective to the war on terror.
"Many of these students come from a diverse background, are less well-heeled, rough around the edges," said an intelligence official who participated in Mr. Clark's program.
Mr. Clark's program "was very Soviet centric" and now, "post 9/11, with non-state actors of terrorism" it has shifted, the intelligence official said.
"Back then the threat was known and quantifiable," said the intelligence professional, whose focus now is in terrorism. "In many ways, that has all changed."
Ms. Gant established the CAE in 2005, with Trinity University in Washington, D.C., being the first to test it and receive a grant. Since then, it has awarded approximately $5 million in grant money to 10 universities selected by a panel of specialists from intelligence agencies, including the CIA and FBI.
In the 2006-07 academic year, more than 30 universities across the nation applied for the grant and only six were selected. By 2015, the ODNI is expected to add 10 universities.
The universities participating in the program are both "majority and minority schools," but with "sizable minority enrollments," said Ms. Gant, who was first approached for the project in 2004 by CIA Director George Tenet.
Some of the other participating schools are Clark Atlanta University, Florida International University and the University of Washington.
Mr. Clark, who started his school's program in 1989, said military personnel from Southern California's surrounding bases comprised the majority of his students initially; however, a growth of interest in intelligence work surged after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Now, Mr. Clark heads the Cal State Universities Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (CSU-ACE), a consortium of seven colleges — heralding it as "the gem of the West."
The consortium, the only multicampus partner of ODNI's CAE, has been awarded roughly $4 million in grant money over five years to assist with campus resources and aid students with foreign language and travel studies abroad.
The Cal State consortium is comprised of Bakersfield, Dominguez Hills, Fullerton, Long Beach, Northridge, Cal Poly Pomona and San Bernardino.
Spy search to spotlight on diversity
By Sara Carter
Washington Times
February 28, 2008
The best spies were once well-heeled students recruited from the East Coast's Ivy League universities. That thinking has changed.
The intelligence community's need for prospects fluent in languages ranging from Arabic to Chinese, and with varying skin colors and religious backgrounds, has forced it to expand its pool of schools.
"There are gold nuggets out there who we overlooked, and we don't want to do that anymore," said Lenora Peters Gant, who is leading an effort by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to broaden the search for intelligence professionals.
To do so, ODNI, which oversees the United States' 16 intelligence agencies, is pumping money into 10 universities that offer national security degrees through its fledgling Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) grant program.
"This was one way to tap women, first- and second-generation foreign students and other minorities," said Ms. Gant, CAE director. She added that the previous focus on predominantly white universities was a limiting relic of the community's pre-September 11, Cold War mind-set.
Mark Clark, director of the National Security Studies program at California State University in San Bernardino, says finding students with the aptitude to work in the intelligence community "might lead to the unsuspecting kid next door."
"With this funding, we are able to send our students to study foreign language abroad," said Mr. Clark, who speaks Russian fluently. "Many American students have never traveled outside the U.S. The assistance opens up the world to them."
Based on ODNI criteria, students in Mr. Clark's program can study counterterrorism, homeland security, counterintelligence and risk analysis, as well as other skills.
The idea that the agencies are solely looking for covert operatives is "a myth," said Ms. Gant, emphasizing graduates can become State Department analysts, Capitol Hill aides or civilian Pentagon employees.
The intelligence community is looking for people with the ability to bring a different perspective to the war on terror.
"Many of these students come from a diverse background, are less well-heeled, rough around the edges," said an intelligence official who participated in Mr. Clark's program.
Mr. Clark's program "was very Soviet centric" and now, "post 9/11, with non-state actors of terrorism" it has shifted, the intelligence official said.
"Back then the threat was known and quantifiable," said the intelligence professional, whose focus now is in terrorism. "In many ways, that has all changed."
Ms. Gant established the CAE in 2005, with Trinity University in Washington, D.C., being the first to test it and receive a grant. Since then, it has awarded approximately $5 million in grant money to 10 universities selected by a panel of specialists from intelligence agencies, including the CIA and FBI.
In the 2006-07 academic year, more than 30 universities across the nation applied for the grant and only six were selected. By 2015, the ODNI is expected to add 10 universities.
The universities participating in the program are both "majority and minority schools," but with "sizable minority enrollments," said Ms. Gant, who was first approached for the project in 2004 by CIA Director George Tenet.
Some of the other participating schools are Clark Atlanta University, Florida International University and the University of Washington.
Mr. Clark, who started his school's program in 1989, said military personnel from Southern California's surrounding bases comprised the majority of his students initially; however, a growth of interest in intelligence work surged after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Now, Mr. Clark heads the Cal State Universities Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (CSU-ACE), a consortium of seven colleges — heralding it as "the gem of the West."
The consortium, the only multicampus partner of ODNI's CAE, has been awarded roughly $4 million in grant money over five years to assist with campus resources and aid students with foreign language and travel studies abroad.
The Cal State consortium is comprised of Bakersfield, Dominguez Hills, Fullerton, Long Beach, Northridge, Cal Poly Pomona and San Bernardino.
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