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David Bohnett Foundation announces new public service Fellows

The David Bohnett Foundation is pleased to announce the newest class of David Bohnett Fellows at the University of California, Los Angeles, New York University, and the University of Michigan. After a competitive application process, a total of 11 outstanding students pursing graduate degrees in the areas of public policy, urban planning, and social work were chosen to participate in the fellowships. Fellows receive tuition assistance as well as paid internship placements within the highest ranks of the Mayor’s office in each school’s respective city.

The David Bohnett Fellows programs grew out of a collaboration between UCLA and The David Bohnett Foundation in 2007, with a goal of transforming scholarship into real-world experience. David Bohnett and the David Bohnett Foundation are committed to improving society through social activism. The Foundation provides funding, state-of-the-art technology and technical support to innovative organizations and institutions that share their vision.

UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, the birthplace of the Bohnett Fellows program, adds four new students to their 13 accomplished continuing and former Fellows. This year’s Fellows include first year students Michelle De Santiago and Joshua Low, both pursuing graduate degrees in public policy. Joining them is Amanda Smick, continuing a Masters of Social Welfare and Lys Mendez, studying urban and regional planning. Each student will have a summer work opportunity in City of Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa’s office.

David Bohnett Public Service Fellowships were awarded to three continuing and two incoming graduate students at NYU Wagner’s Graduate School of Public Service pursuing the degree of Master of Public Administration in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy. Continuing students receiving fellowships include Sharon Carney, Frances Liu, and Matt Quinn. Incoming students Zainab Ali and Kevin Hansen, along with the continuing students, will work in New York City Mayor Bloomberg’s office or with the President of the US Conference of Mayors.

Diana Flora and Stephanie Chang join the newest Bohnett Fellows program, which began last year at the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Flora is studying public policy and urban planning while Chang is working toward graduate degrees in public policy and social work. Both Fellows will intern in Detroit Mayor Bing’s office.

“For the fifth consecutive year, we are proud to foster the professional development of some of the best and brightest public affairs students – young women and men who are committed to serving the public good through their work in municipal government,” said Michael Fleming, Executive Director of the David Bohnett Foundation. “Each of these students has already proven their ability to excel in the classroom and we have no doubt they will do the same within the executive offices of city hall.”