
Event Overview
Join YNPN National for this virtual recruitment and information fair for nonprofit professionals, undergraduate students, and recent graduates who are interested in learning more about how attending graduate school or applying for a fellowship can help accelerate your career path. Individual registration is available, in addition to group registration for alumni associations, service year programs, and nonprofits.
In line with YNPN’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we will be sharing information and resources with a particular focus on expanding these opportunities to first-generation college students and individuals from underrepresented and underserved groups.
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Event Schedule
Here is a general overview of the events taking place during the YNPN Virtual Fair. See below for additional details about the speakers, presenters, and graduate school/fellowship programs that will be featured throughout the day.
Opening Panel: How Can the Graduate School Experience Advance Your Nonprofit Career? (Noon to 1:30 pm EST)
This panel will focus on providing information, resources, and advice about the graduate school application process to interested attendees from the YNPN network, undergraduate students, and recent graduates who may be considering going to graduate school in the near future. We’ll also be presenting information on how to make the most of the graduate school experience in terms of networking, educational opportunities, and practical learning opportunities such as internships. Finally, some of our panelists will share their perspective on how their graduate school experience and additional leadership development has helped advance their careers.
Panel Moderator:
Professor Jessica Sowa
University of Delaware:
Biden School of Public Policy and Administration
Panelist:
Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier
Owner/CEO – AQP Consulting
Current YNPN National Board Member
Panelist:
Holly McCoy
Executive Director – Literacy Services of Wisconsin
Former YNPN Milwaukee Chapter President
Panelist:
Dominic Braham
Executive Director – Refugees and Immigrants Community for Empowerment (RICE)
Former YNPN Phoenix Board Member and YNPN Launchpad Fellow
Panelist:
Becca Tankersley
Executive Director – Lion’s Heart – Teen Volunteers and Leaders
Founder, Orange County chapter of YNPN
Panelist:
Vanesa Carmona-Lewis
Public Policy Institute Manager – Community Advocates, Inc.
Current YNPN Milwaukee Board Chair
Panelist:
Melissa Minato
Associate Director of Career Education – Seattle University
Current YNPN Seattle Board Co-Chair
Virtual Fair & Networking (1:30 pm - 3:30 pm EST)
During the Virtual Networking portion of the event, attendees will have the chance to meet representatives from the participating graduate school and fellowship programs, ask questions, and get more information about the application process and program experience with each organization. After registering, attendees will receive additional information prior to the event with links to join virtual networking and information sessions with each of the participating programs.
Graduate School Programs

Rutgers Law School
Rutgers Law School—with locations in Camden and Newark—offers a world-class faculty; a curriculum of exceptional breadth and depth in theory, practice, and interdisciplinary studies; a geographic presence that spans one of the nation's 10 largest legal markets (New Jersey) while also offering immediate access to two of the five largest markets (New York City and Philadelphia); an alumni network with over 20,000 members; and a strong tradition of diversity and social impact.
As the law school for a top public university, Rutgers Law School is committed to the highest standards of teaching, scholarship, and service to its host communities, the state of New Jersey, and the nation.
Juris Doctor

Carnegie Mellon University: Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
The Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy is home to two internationally recognized graduate-level institutions at Carnegie Mellon University: the School of Information Systems and Management and the School of Public Policy and Management.
This unique colocation combined with its expertise in analytics set Heinz College apart in the areas of cybersecurity, health care, the future of work, smart cities, and arts & entertainment. In 2016, INFORMS named Heinz College the #1 academic program for Analytics Education.
Public Policy/Analytics
Health Policy/Analytics
Information Systems
Cyber Security
Arts & Entertainment Management

University of North Carolina: School of Government
The UNC MPA program has been preparing exceptional public service leaders for the non-profit sector and the government levels for over 50 years. With the addition of our online format 6 years ago, we continue to offer our top-ranked MPA degree for those looking for a full time campus-based experience and for professionals looking for a more flexible part-time program with the same commitment to excellence.
Many come because we are ranked #2 in Local Government Management, but we support students with a wide range of interests in everything from education to environmental affairs to social services and public health. Our concentration areas include public management, community/economic development, public health, and nonprofit management. We encourage you to explore our program more and to inquire about our commitment to supporting our students through scholarships.
MPA – Public Administration

Lilly School of Philanthropy
As the first and only school of its kind, the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated wholly to the study and teaching of philanthropy. Through B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. programs, our students are empowered to innovate, lead, and create positive and lasting change in the world. Our degree programs give you what you need to make a difference for the causes you believe in.
Whether you’re passionate about saving the earth, social justice, or taking on global challenges, the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy will give you the tools you need to lead for change. Be the change you wish to see in the world with a degree from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Philanthropic Studies

Brandeis University: The Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Ranked in the top 10 schools of social policy, the Heller School drives positive social change through research, education and public engagement that inform policies and programs designed to address disparities in well-being and social inclusion in a sustainable way.
Social Impact MBA
Master of Public Policy
MA in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence
MA in Sustainable International Development
MS in Global Health Policy and Management
PhD in Social Policy

The New School Graduate Programs
Discover a new kind of university in New York City, one where scholars, artists, and designers come together to challenge convention and create positive change. Our university takes full advantage of its location in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
At our university, students have the academic freedom to shape their unique, individual paths for a complex and rapidly changing world. Our graduate programs go beyond mainstream thought and practices, fostering intellectual inquiry and creative mastery. Master's and doctoral students work with renowned faculty who are scholars, practitioners, and mentors. Together they defy academic orthodoxy, take intellectual risks, publish groundbreaking research, and contribute to emerging fields. Graduate students now also have the opportunity to pursue one of The New School's graduate minors, structured pathways of study that immerse students in disciplines outside of their primary field and broaden their skill-sets and career options.

University of Texas at Austin: LBJ School of Public Affairs and the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service
Effective leadership requires deep understanding of current trends and policy issues, and the willingness to take action. The Nonprofit Studies Portfolio is an opportunity to develop specialized skills in social finance, nonprofit management, philanthropy, cultural policy, social marketing and community collaboration.
Students ready to make a difference in the world can advance their journey with the Certificate in Nonprofit Studies and with the RGK Center community of colleagues and faculty. The RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service is proudly housed within the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin.
Nonprofit Studies Certification

University of Michigan: Ford School of Public Policy
Situated in one of America's great public universities, the Ford School is large enough to satisfy diverse intellectual and policy interests—and small enough to offer a warm, supportive, inclusive educational community. The Ford School is a nationally recognized leader in quantitative policy analysis, political and ethical analysis, social policy, communication, and leadership. All coursework reflects our deep commitment to public service and policy engagement.
Master of Public Policy
Master of Public Affairs

Texas A&M University: Bush School of Government & Public Service
The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University is a presidential school with a clear vision: to prepare principled leaders for service in their community, their nation, and their world, and to do it affordably. Our dedication to serve others, which reflects the life of our namesake, George H.W. Bush, is a guiding force in our instruction. In fact, over 75% of our graduate go to work in public service and we average 90% employment within 6 months of graduation. Specifically relevant to this group, we offer a track in Nonprofit Management and host a Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy (more below) that prepare leaders for nonprofit careers.
With an incoming class of about 90 students per department, you will become part of a family—learning from your colleagues, developing life-long friendships, and building strong professional networks. Students share a passion for public service and create an invigorating environment to do more for others. For our students, public service is a noble calling.
As a partner school of AmeriCorps, our MPSA provides application fee waivers, a generous scholarship and in-state rates for two years, a flexible curriculum that collaborates with a tier-one research university, professional networking with academic and expert practitioners, and career assistance to find the jobs that matter to you.
Master of Public Service and Administration (with a track in Nonprofit Management)

University of Delaware: Biden School of Public Policy & Administration
The Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware offers six master's degree programs. Each program offers various areas of research, specializations, or concentrations—so you can tailor your program to suit your areas of interest and career goals.
The Biden School focuses on combining world-class classroom education with meaningful experiential learning opportunities so our graduates are prepared to effectively address the most challenging public sector issues of our time. Graduate students are eligible to be considered for competitive research assistantships that are generated with Biden School faculty and our six affiliated research centers.
Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Health
Master of Public Policy
M.S. Disaster Science and Management
Master of Energy and Environmental Policy
M.A. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy

Northeastern University
You dedicated your time to give back to the world, now let us give back to you.
The Full Circle Scholarship offers a 25-percent tuition discount to graduate applicants who embody Northeastern University’s values of experiential and global learning. Students can use the scholarship at any Northeastern campus.
Because you chose to do something different and embark on a service-driven path, you gained new skills and valuable knowledge, and returned inspired. The Full Circle Scholarship is designed to make sure you can continue your journey and stay inspired. Northeastern’s industry-aligned graduate degree programs will help you translate the skills and knowledge you acquired into a career that matters.
Who is eligible?
The Full Circle Scholarship is for graduate applicants who are currently involved in or have completed a term of service with one of the following organizations:
Peace Corps
AmeriCorps
Teach for America
English Language Learners (ELL) – 1 year of teaching experience abroad
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-powered lifelong learning. Our world-renowned experiential approach empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create impact far beyond the confines of discipline, degree, and campus.
Our locations—in Boston; the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Charlotte, North Carolina; London, England; the San Francisco and Silicon Valley area; Portland, Maine; Seattle, Washington; Toronto, Ontario; and Vancouver, British Columbia—are nodes in our growing global university system. Through this network, we expand opportunities for student-centered, industry-aligned learning and collaborative, solutions-focused research.

Penn State School of Public Policy
Penn State’s MPP degree provides students with substantive knowledge of the policy process and training in quantitative policy analysis and evaluation through the core curriculum, applied capstone experience, internships, and career placement. Students have the option to select an existing policy specialization or to work with faculty to design a specialization to meet their career goals.
Master of Public Policy
Fellowship Programs

Marquette University: Trinity Fellows Program
The Trinity Fellows Program is a 21- month study/work graduate fellowship program dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice. While engaged in full-time graduate study, Fellows work at area nonprofit agencies 18 hours per week for two academic years and 40 hours per week during the intervening summer.
Trinity offers fellowships in 14 fields of study: Business, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Communication, Corporate Communication, Criminal Justice Data Analytics, Economics, Educational Policy and Leadership, English, History, International Affairs, Management, Applied Philosophy, Political Science, Public Service, or Theology. Up to 12 fellowships will be awarded per year.
14 Qualifying Degrees:
Applied Economics
Applied Philosophy
Business Administration
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Communication
Corporate Communication
Criminal Justice Data Analytics
Educational Policy and Leadership
English
History
International Affairs
Political Science
Public Service
Theology

POINT Foundation
Point Foundation (Point) is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit. Point promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development, and community service training.

New Leaders Council
The NLC Institute is the leading professional development program for rising generational progressive leaders across the country. Each of NLC's 50 chapters selects up to 20 leaders to attend the NLC Institute held annually from January through June in their local city or state.
Meeting for one weekend during the Institute, NLC Fellows learn from volunteer faculty - experts in fundraising, new media, communication strategy, campaign management, policy, and more. The Institute Curriculum trains Fellows in the skills needed to run for public office, start a non-profit, launch a business, or make progressive impact in their community.
Because of NLC’s commitment to recruiting and training outside of traditional power structures, the NLC Institute comes at no cost for all Fellows. This commitment is made possible by the support of NLC chapters, alumni and others from the progressive community.
Closing Panel:
Fellowship Programs - Understanding the Application Process and Career Benefits (3:30 pm to 4:30 pm EST)
This panel will present information on how to think strategically about the application process for applying for fellowships, especially in terms of having confidence in applying as a first-generation college or graduate student and viewing your personal diversity as an asset. Our panelists will also be discussing financial planning considerations, how to standout as a strong candidate in your fellowship applications, and what actions you should start taking now to prepare for these opportunities. Finally, panelists will be sharing their insights and thoughts about how the fellowship experience can expand your network, provide unique professional development opportunities, boost your long-term prospects for career advancement.
Panel Moderator:
Jeff Key
YNPN National Board Member
Panelist:
Sam Pressler
Founder, Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP)
2015 Echoing Green Global Fellow
2016 Halcyon Fellow
Panelist:
Dennis Gonzalez
Director, Leadership Programs
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Panelist:
Valerie Jiggets
Learning and Development Specialist,
Wikimedia Foundation
Community Leadership Network Fellow – Kellogg Foundation