Johns Hopkins UniversityEst. 1876

America’s First Research University

Summer Scholars
Program

Make an Impact for People in Cities Through the Summer Scholars Program

Are you ready to dive into real-world public innovation projects and make a difference in city hall? The Summer Scholars program at the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University is your chance to gain hands-on experience addressing our cities’ most pressing challenges by participating in impactful public innovation and civic engagement projects.

Why Apply?

As a Summer Scholar, you’ll spend 10 weeks embedded in a city hall team, working on cutting-edge public innovation projects. You’ll gain practical skills, network with professionals, and enhance your career prospects – all while creating a positive impact in local communities in the United States and abroad. Plus, you’ll receive a stipend and travel funds to support your journey.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking passionate and talented graduate students from all Johns Hopkins divisions who have skills in:

  • Policy analysis
  • Design thinking
  • Stakeholder management
  • Data analysis and visualization
  • Qualitative analysis
  • Mapping (GIS)
  • Writing and editing
  • Language fluency (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese)

What You’ll Gain

Practical Experience

Apply your academic knowledge and a public innovation approach to real-world challenges in cities.

Exposure to City Leadership

Engage with high-level city officials, gaining insights into local government and leadership.

Executive Audience

Present your findings and solutions directly to decision-makers.

One-on-One Coaching

Personalized support from expert staff to guide your growth.

Peer Support

Regular check-ins with your fellow scholars for shared learning.

Professional Development

Workshops designed to enhance your skills and career readiness.

Self-reflection

Exercises to help you process your experiences and deepen your learning.

What We Expect From You

Own Your Project

Take responsibility for driving the work plan in collaboration with city leaders, ensuring timely and impactful results tailored to local needs.

Deliver Results

Through 10 weeks on-site, fully immerse yourself in priority projects with city hall teams to produce tangible outcomes that address city needs.

Lead with Initiative

Approach problems with a proactive mindset, bringing creative solutions while demonstrating humility, curiosity, and a strong desire to learn.

Maintain Professionalism

Bring a team-oriented, problem-solving approach to tackling challenges and opportunities to improve life for city residents.

Present with Impact

Deliver a final presentation to city leadership and share your experience and insights with the university community in the fall.

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Learn More About Previous Summer Scholars

Former Summer Scholars share insights on their project experiences, the professional connections they established, and how the program has shaped their academic and career paths.

Learn More About Previous Summer Scholars

Former Summer Scholars share insights on their project experiences, the professional connections they established, and how the program has shaped their academic and career paths.