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 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.

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.

Learn More and Apply

Learn more about the opportunities for 2026 Summer Scholars and apply today.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Sign Up for Updates