Perry World House Launches New Graduate Fellows Program

Students participating in the Graduate Fellows Program at Perry World House

News Summary

Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania has selected twenty graduate students for its Graduate Fellows Program. This initiative promotes interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle global policy issues, offering practical training through discussions with experts and visits to Washington, D.C. The program aims to enhance skills and understanding within foreign and national security policy, furthering academic excellence and community impact in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, PA – Perry World House (PWH) at the University of Pennsylvania has announced the selection of twenty graduate students for its 2025–2026 Graduate Fellows Program. This initiative aims to integrate diverse academic disciplines to address global policy challenges.

The Graduate Fellows Program at PWH is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among graduate students from various schools within the University. Participants will engage in discussions with senior practitioners in foreign policy and international security, significantly enhancing their understanding of complex global issues. The program incorporates sessions on open-source intelligence analysis, international relations theory, and media training specifically tailored for national security topics. A highlight of the program will be visits to Washington, D.C., where fellows will meet with U.S. Congressional Committees, federal agencies, and think tanks.

Dr. Benjamin L. Schmitt, the Graduate Program Director at PWH, reiterated the importance of subject matter expertise in foreign and national security policy. He underlined the necessity of bringing together multidisciplinary groups to effectively tackle pressing societal grand challenges, which may include technological export controls and space security threats.

Program Overview

The selected fellows span a wide range of academic backgrounds, including political science, environmental studies, behavioral and decision sciences, neuroscience, chemistry, city and regional planning, and business administration. This diversity of perspectives is crucial for addressing the complex global issues faced by society today.

Interdisciplinary Focus

Perry World House seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy-making. The Graduate Fellows Program underscores the commitment to interdisciplinary study, expanding the potential for innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Enhancing Skills and Knowledge

The collaborative environment fostered by PWH not only enhances the academic experience of the fellows but also equips them with practical skills pertinent to foreign policy and international security. These enhanced skills prepare the fellows for leadership roles within their respective fields.

Community and Economic Impact

By preparing graduate students to influence the global policy landscape, PWH contributes significantly to the education and training of future leaders. The program also promotes a broader understanding of international relations within the Philadelphia community, enhancing the region’s reputation as a hub for academic excellence and policy innovation.

Forward-Looking Initiatives

The Graduate Fellows Program represents a strategic investment in the future of global policymaking and international relations studies. As these students prepare to engage with decision-makers and thought leaders, PWH continues to set the bar for how higher education institutions can respond proactively to global challenges.

Conclusion

This initiative exemplifies the University of Pennsylvania’s commitment to rigorous academic training through its Graduate Fellows Program at Perry World House. By offering a platform for emerging leaders to engage with critical global issues, the university positions itself as a key contributor to the advancement of policy education and practice. Readers are encouraged to explore more about the university’s various programs and to stay engaged with the Philadelphia college community.

Key Feature Description
Program Name Perry World House Graduate Fellows Program
Number of Fellows 20
Academic Disciplines Represented Political Science, Environmental Studies, Behavioral and Decision Sciences, Neuroscience, Chemistry, City and Regional Planning, Business Administration
Program Activities Discussions with senior practitioners, sessions on open-source intelligence analysis, international relations theory, media training for national security topics, visits to Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. Congressional Committees, federal agencies, and think tanks
Program Director Dr. Benjamin L. Schmitt

FAQ

What is the Perry World House Graduate Fellows Program?
The Perry World House Graduate Fellows Program is an initiative at the University of Pennsylvania that selects graduate students from various disciplines to collaborate on global policy challenges, enhancing their understanding of international affairs through interdisciplinary engagement.
What activities do fellows participate in during the program?
Fellows engage in discussions with senior practitioners in foreign policy and international security, participate in sessions on open-source intelligence analysis, international relations theory, and media training for national security topics, and have the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. Congressional Committees, federal agencies, and think tanks.
Who is Dr. Benjamin L. Schmitt?
Dr. Benjamin L. Schmitt is the Graduate Program Director at Perry World House. He emphasized the importance of subject matter expertise in foreign and national security policy and highlighted the need for multidisciplinary groups to address societal grand challenges.
What academic backgrounds do the selected fellows represent?
The selected fellows represent a wide range of academic backgrounds, including political science, environmental studies, behavioral and decision sciences, neuroscience, chemistry, city and regional planning, and business administration.
What is the role of Perry World House in global policy?
Perry World House plays a pivotal role in bridging academic research and global policy, providing platforms for students and scholars to engage with pressing international challenges. Through programs like the Graduate Fellows, PWH fosters a collaborative environment that prepares the next generation of leaders to navigate and influence the global policy landscape.


Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Florence Onyiuke Becomes Rhodes Scholar
Ashoka University Partners with Penn Engineering for Academic Growth
University of Pennsylvania Launches Algebra 1 Fellowship

STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER

The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.

Advertising Opportunity:

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!