Public Policy Scholars Program (PPSP)
About PPSP
The Texas A&M University System Office of Academic Affairs is proud to support a special partnership between the staff of the Public Policy Internship Program and the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University where undergraduate students from every university across the System can intern in Washington, D.C. for a semester while earning course credit.
Most notably, this partnership comes with the creation of a new D.C.-based program, the Public Policy Scholars Program (PPSP), which will provide selected System university undergraduate students with invaluable hands-on internship experience in public policy, coupled with an enhanced academic experience.
The program will provide students with 6 hours of in-person coursework developed and taught by distinguished faculty from the Bush School of Government and Public Service, focusing on current issues and special topics relevant to Washington, D.C. and the American political system. Students will attend classes two days a week at the Bush School DC Teaching Site, located just blocks from the White House. Additionally, students will intern three days a week in a hosting office and earn between 0-6 hours of internship credit. The internship credit is variable, meaning students can choose to take 0-6 hours depending on what they need for their degree plan and/or to remain financial aid eligible.
Students will benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, policy analysis, and real-world application, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in public service.
Apply to PPSP
Students must submit application materials by the designated dates/times listed below.
Application
Please complete the form to gain access to the application(s).
Required Documents
- Completed PPSP application (typed)
- Professional cover letter
- Professional resume
- Policy essay
- Screenshot of current semester class schedule
- Official college transcript
- Letters of recommendation
Application & Placement Process
Things to Consider
Eligibility
As a premier professional internship experience, the Public Policy Scholars Program (PPSP) establishes high standards for our scholars. Please review the eligibility requirements carefully.
Note: U.S. Citizenship is required for all PPSP locations, due to the requirements of our hosting offices. If you are not a U.S. Citizen but would like to explore opportunities similar to what PPSP offers, please email program staff at [email protected] for a list of options you may be eligible for.
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for PPSP:
- The student must be a United States citizen and at least 18 years old; permanent residents are not eligible for this program.
- The student must be classified as a degree-seeking undergraduate student at a school within the Texas A&M University System. Students cannot participate in the program post-graduation.
- The student must have a cumulative collegiate GPR of 3.0. First-semester freshmen are not eligible to apply.
- The student must be in good standing with their home institution, pursuant to their university’s Academic and Student Life rules.
- The student must obtain and carry valid health insurance for the duration of the internship semester.
- The student must be able to attend all program trainings and pre-departure events, which will be administered virtually.
Logistics to Consider
Before applying to the Public Policy Scholars Program, please review and take the information below into consideration. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the program staff at [email protected].
Meet the DC Scholars
Katy Erben
Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
U.S. Representative for Texas’s 34th Congressional District
Katy Erben is a junior at Texas A&M University-Kingsville pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a Bachelor of Arts in History. As a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Katy has developed a passion for environmental sustainability, especially in the face of a looming water crisis. After her expected graduation in December 2028, Katy hopes to pursue a career as an environmental geologist working with natural resources and geologic hazards.
In addition to geoscience, Katy is also passionate about community outreach and literary arts. In summer 2025, Katy served as a library clerk at Keach Family Library in Robstown, Texas, where she helped prepare and host community events. Katy is also an editorial coordinator for Javelina Express, a student-led literary and arts magazine at TAMUK. As an editorial coordinator, she collaborated with other students to organize collections of literary and artistic pieces submitted by students, alumni, and local community members to produce a magazine that reflects the talent and culture of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Katy’s wide-ranging interests in geology, history, and literature reflect her passion for science communication and earth science public policy. This fall, Katy is interning with the Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez.
Rebecca Farias
Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
U.S. Representative for Texas’s 34th Congressional District
Rebecca Farias is a student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville pursuing dual bachelor’s degrees in history and political science with a minor in anthropology. Originally from Oregon, Rebecca relocated to South Texas in the summer of 2017, where her experiences working with diverse communities created a passion for public service, civic engagement, and advocacy for underserved communities.
As a nontraditional student, Rebecca has combined her academic pursuits, professional experience, and community leadership. She serves as the Public Relations Chairman for the Corpus Christi Association of Legal Professionals, editor of the university’s student magazine, and social media coordinator for the Anthropology Club. She is also actively involved in several professional and leadership organizations like the Hispanic Texas Women’s Network, American Advertising Federation, and Coastal Bend Young Professionals. Through these roles, she has developed a passion for advocacy, communication, and connecting vulnerable populations with educational and professional opportunities.
Rebecca has worked in legal marketing and communications for an immigration law firm, where she helped bridge the gap between legal services and immigrant communities. Through this work, she saw firsthand how public policy decisions influence the lives of families, businesses, and immigrants’ access to equal opportunities. These experiences have fueled her passion for public service and strengthened her desire to pursue a career in law and policy.
Through the Texas A&M University System Public Policy Scholars Program, Rebecca is gaining a deeper understanding of the policymaking process while exploring how effective leadership and legislation can create lasting change. Overall, the experience is strengthening her ability to advocate for effective legislation that expands access to opportunity and improves outcomes for communities across Texas and the United States. Following graduation, Rebecca plans to attend law school and pursue a career in immigration law and public policy.
Reese “Storie” Ivanovsky
Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST)
Reese “Storie” Elizabeth Ivanovsky is a junior at Tarleton State University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Business. Originally from Houston, Texas, she has developed a strong passion for public service, advocacy, and policy through her commitment to justice and equality.
Throughout her academic journey, Storie has been driven by a desire to better understand the political systems and institutions that shape societies and influence people’s lives. Her studies have strengthened her interest in domestic and international policy while providing a foundation for a future career in public service. In addition to her academic pursuits, Storie has gained valuable professional experience through her work at Emma Lou’s Boutique and Target. These roles have enhanced her communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills while allowing her to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Storie is particularly passionate about advancing women’s rights and promoting equitable opportunities for all individuals. Her strong belief in fairness and advocacy has inspired her long-term goal of working in foreign policy, where she hopes to contribute to initiatives that support human rights and empower women around the world. Through her education, professional experiences, and dedication to service, Storie is committed to creating meaningful change and making a positive impact on both local and global communities.
Olivia Jonas
National Academy of Public Administration – Extreme Weather Resilience Hub
Olivia Jonas is from Schertz, Texas. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Political Science. When Olivia is not in class, she is serving in the United States Naval Reserves as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. As a conservation biologist, she is passionate about policy that aims to protect nature and preserve biodiversity. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she has specialized in constitutional law and wildlife biology.
As a recent McNair Scholar, Olivia completed a quantitative research experiment studying the effectiveness of the Conservation Reserve Program in creating habitat for declining Texas grassland birds based on land type coverage. Ultimately, she has ambitions for a career in politics with a firm reliance on her scientific training. Once at law school she plans to pursue constitutional and environmental law. Following that, she intends to apply to the Naval JAG program, where she can continue serving her country as an officer.
Olivia’s public policy interests include environmental protection enforcement, military regulation and operations, and federal judiciary processes. On campus, Olivia played an active role in the Pre-Law Society, Graduate Biology Students Association, and the creation and leadership of the TAMUK Transfer Students Club. Olivia’s role as a Unit Career Counselor in the Navy and student work in the Texas A&M University-Kingsville transfer department has given her excellent experience in client outreach, career planning, and cross-cultural communication.
Olivia is a proud U.S. Navy sailor who is determined to play a role in bridging the expertise gap between political science and other traditional fields of science such as biology. This fall, Olivia looks forward to historical sightseeing, learning new things, and birding.
H’Lyia Kennedy
Office of Federal Relations
The Texas A&M University System
H’Lyia Kennedy is a junior at East Texas A&M University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in History. She aspires to become an attorney with a focus on using the law as a tool for social change, specifically to address the information gap within underprivileged communities and advocate for those navigating complex legal and policy systems.
H’Lyia’s academic and professional interests center on education, civil rights, and human rights, particularly how current laws interact with the public and how policy can be shaped to address the unique challenges communities face. These interests drive her commitment to not only understanding the law but making it accessible and actionable for the people it affects most.
On campus, she serves as a Senator in the Student Government Association, where she has developed strong skills in policy analysis, public speaking, critical thinking, and adaptability. She also serves as the Public Relations Chair for the History Club, where she organizes, plans, and promotes club initiatives. This role has sharpened both her interpersonal skills and ability to think creatively under pressure.
H’Lyia is eager to bring these experiences and sense of purpose to the Public Policy Scholars Program, where she is deepening her understanding of the policymaking process and taking meaningful steps toward a career in public service and law.
Jocalyn Leija
Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Jocalyn Leija is a first-generation honors student at East Texas A&M University, majoring in political science with a minor in general business. She is a member of multiple extracurricular organizations on campus, including the ETAMU NAACP, Pi Sigma Alpha, Hispanic Latinx Student Union, TRIO, the Honors Council, and the Mock Trial team. She is passionate about civil rights advocacy and environmental preservation, believing it is a fundamental responsibility to ensure an equitable future and a protected, clean environment for all individuals.
Upon graduating with honors next spring, she plans to attend law school with the aspirations of becoming a civil rights/environmental attorney. Throughout her academic career, she held a position with the Paris Junior College TRIO Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search offices. There, she delivered administrative and operational support, organized outreach initiatives, and partnered with external organizations to ensure program and student success.
In addition to academics, she is deeply committed to giving back to her community and participating in volunteer work with a variety of organizations and non-profits. Some of which include the Commerce Public Library, Keep Paris Beautiful Non-profit, the ETAMU Honors College, and StandUp for Kids – Washington, DC.
This semester, Jocalyn is interning with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus as a legislative intern. In this position, she is gaining firsthand experience in the legislative field, as well as striving to ensure the civil rights of individuals are continually protected. Furthermore, this semester she is also serving as an East Texas A&M Honors College student mentor. Providing support and academic advice to political science and criminal justice majors.
Aire’Onna Lewis
Office of Federal Relations
The Texas A&M University System
Aire’Onna Lewis is an undergraduate student from Cypress, Texas, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Prairie View A&M University. She is deeply passionate about criminal law, public service, and civil rights. She is actively involved in service- and policy-focused organizations at Prairie View A&M University, including Prairie View Legal, and is a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International. She is learning more about the legal profession, professional development, and opportunities in public service through these organizations. She is committed to developing a deeper understanding of the legal system and its role in shaping communities.
Aire’Onna aspires to become a district attorney and is eager to gain hands-on experience in government and public service. Through her internship, she is learning more about the legislative process, constituent services, and public policy. Her passion for law comes from her mother, who at a young age introduced Aire’Onna to famous criminal cases and would ask for her opinion and understanding of the cases. Since then, her love for criminal law has blossomed.
In her free time, Aire’Onna enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time with her friends and family. She has a clear determination to become the first criminal law attorney in her family and plans to attend law school following her graduation in 2027. She is committed to staying focused on her academic goals while continuing to seek opportunities that will strengthen her understanding of the legal field. Aire’Onna hopes to gain meaningful experiences that will prepare her for the challenges of law school and a future career in criminal law and public service.
Theophilus “Theo” Manex
Office of Congressman Brian Mast
U.S. Representative for Florida’s 21st Congressional District
Theophilus Manex is a Bachelor of Science in Political Science honors student at East Texas A&M University, minoring in philosophy and history. He is pursuing a pre-law track with an expected graduation in May 2029. His background spans multiple countries and regions. This diverse upbringing provided him with firsthand insights into how legal frameworks and government institutions shape daily life and commerce, fueling his passion for urban and economic policy. Ultimately, Theophilus aims to build this foundation into a career specializing in corporate, regulatory, and tax law.
At East Texas A&M, Theophilus holds a leadership role in the Civic Affairs Club and is an avid member of the History Club. In this position, he manages meeting records, coordinates member communication, and helps organize events. These responsibilities have strengthened his leadership, communication, and community engagement skills. Currently, as a member of the Public Policy Scholars Program, he is refining his advanced legal research and professional writing skills while gaining hands-on insight into the formulation and implementation of federal policy.
Frank “Wyatt” Nikodym
Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
U.S. Representative for Texas’s 34th Congressional District
Frank “Wyatt” Nikodym is a senior at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in pre-Law. Wyatt is committed to a career in public service and has great interest in the legislative process and the institutions and philosophies that shape American foreign policy.
Service and involvement have defined Wyatt’s time at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. As a freshman, he was elected to represent the freshman class as their Senator and First Year Council President in the student government, where he passed significant legislation aimed at making campus safer. In addition, Wyatt has served as President of the Political Science Club, where he led the charge for mobilizing student voting on campus during the 2024 Presidential Election and was selected to be a Democracy Fellow with Campus Vote Project. Wyatt is also an active member of the Pre-Law Society and served as the Secretary Chair for the TAMU-CC chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).
This past year, Wyatt has served as the Student Director of Student Volunteer Connection (SVC), one of the largest organizations on campus, which provides countless volunteer opportunities for TAMU-CC students through weekly service events throughout the Corpus Christi community and impacts over a thousand students every year. Through SVC, Wyatt has overseen Alternative Break trips to New Orleans and Dallas, as well as the facilitation of The Little Event and The Big Event. In addition, he represented SVC on the 2026 TAMU-CC Homecoming Court. During his year as Director, Student Volunteer Connection won the Departmental Organization of the Year Award.
Wyatt Nikodym is interning with the Office of Congressman Vincente Gonzalez this fall where he is seeing the legislative process in the House of Representatives from a ground level view and serving the constituents of Texas’s 34th District!
He plans to attend law school after graduation and work within the private sector or the federal government before running for public office with the aspiration of serving as a U.S. Senator to advocate for liberalism within American foreign relations.
Jada Patel
Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Action
Jada Patel is a senior at Texas A&M University studying Political Science with a minor in Artificial Intelligence in Business. Originally from Flower Mound, Texas, her academic and career interests focus on military defense, national security, cyber policy, and the role emerging technologies play in shaping government decision-making. These interests have guided her educational path and encouraged her to pursue experiences that connect public service, policy, defense, and innovation.
At Texas A&M, Jada has been involved as a Campus Tour Guide, where she represents the university to prospective students and families while strengthening her leadership, communication, and public speaking skills. This past summer, she also gained government-related experience through her work with the Office of Texas State Representative Mihaela Plesa, where she contributed to constituent outreach and gained exposure to policy. This fall, Jada is interning with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Action.
Through her academic, government, and professional experiences, Jada has developed a strong interest in work that combines policy, service, and real-world problem-solving. She hopes to continue building a career in government or defense-focused public affairs, where she can contribute to decisions that impact security, communities, and the future of public policy.
Brady Perry
Office of Congressman Jake Ellzey
U.S. Representative for Texas’s 6th Congressional District
Brady Perry is from Melissa, Texas, and is currently pursuing a degree in political science at Texas A&M University. His academic interests center on politics, government, and public service, reflecting a long-standing passion for understanding the institutions and processes that shape society.
In addition to his studies, Brady worked at Reynolds and Reynolds for over a year, where he gained valuable professional experience and developed skills in communication, responsibility, and problem-solving. Balancing work and academics has strengthened his work ethic and reinforced his commitment to achieving his long-term goals.
Brady’s interest in politics and government has played a significant role in shaping both his educational path and future career aspirations. He is particularly interested in public policy, and the impact government can have on communities and individuals. Through his studies, he continues to deepen his understanding of political systems and current issues while preparing for a career in the public sector.
Looking ahead, Brady hopes to build a career in Washington, D.C., where he can contribute to the political process and work on issues that affect people across the country. He is eager to continue learning, gaining experience, and pursue opportunities that will help him make a meaningful impact in government and public service.
Maya Ramesh
Office of Performance Excellence
U.S. Department of Commerce
Maya Ramesh is a political science major from Frisco, Texas, with a strong interest in law and constitutional issues. She plans to attend law school after completing her degree and wants to pursue a career at the intersection of law and constitutional interpretation.
During her time at Texas A&M, she has conducted academic research examining constitutional questions regarding the use of AI in judicial decision-making. She has also served as a Hullabaloo U peer mentor and has been involved with the Texas A&M Pre-Law Society. Her academic interests were shaped by her curiosity about how laws and institutions affect communities, and how constitutional issues are interpreted and applied. Maya was a member of the 2025-26 Undergraduate Glasscock Scholars cohort and completed research on how originalism informs modern legal interpretations through analyzing the constitutionality of Texas’s Senate Bill 10.
Her interest in law stems from her background in serving the public through volunteer work at animal shelters, food banks, and women’s advocacy groups. One of her main motivations is being a voice and helping those who are unable to advocate for themselves. Through her volunteer work and academic research, she has seen the importance of how institutions can serve vulnerable members of society.
Maya is participating in the Public Policy Scholars Program in Washington, D.C., where she is interning with the Department of Commerce and has an opportunity to apply the research she has completed into firsthand experience. Her academic and personal experiences have strengthened her goal of attending law school and become a voice for others.
Mia Rivera
National War College
Mia Rivera is a first-generation college student from Kingsville, Texas, pursuing dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and History at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where she will graduate in December 2026. As a native of Kingsville, she is proud to represent her home campus as a participant in the Public Policy Scholars Program during the fall 2026 semester. She is also a member of the Honors College, where she continues to strengthen her academic foundation through advanced coursework and research-focused learning.
Mia is deeply involved in campus life and has built a strong record of leadership, service, and academic engagement. She serves as a student-athlete on the Javelina Sapphires Dance Team, representing the university at athletic events and community outreach activities. She also holds multiple leadership roles, including serving as a Senator in the Student Government Association for the College of Arts and Sciences and as Vice President of the Pre-Law Society, where she supports LSAT preparation and recruitment initiatives. Mia is a sister of Alpha Sigma Alpha, where she previously served as Service and Giving Director, contributing to philanthropic efforts that raised over $15,000 annually. Academically, she is an active member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, and the Robert J. Kleberg History Club.
Professionally, Mia has worked as a Student Assistant in the Office of the Dean at the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, where she managed front-office operations, supported major university events, and mentored new student employees. Her academic interests center on national security, particularly how historical military conflicts shape modern security policy. She plans to pursue a career in federal criminal law, with this internship serving as a key step toward that goal.
Ahwrey Scarpinato
The Heritage Foundation
Ahwrey Scarpinato is a member of the Class of 2028 at Texas A&M University where he is pursuing a degree in political science with minors in business and communications. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, and raised in Port Townsend, Washington, Ahwrey is a first-generation college student who developed a deep enthusiasm for service and community engagement. He found his passion for telecommunications during a summer internship with Jefferson County Public Utility District, where he supported a live broadband rollout and witnessed firsthand how internet access shapes the economy, public health, national defense, and the prosperity of everyday Americans. That experience drew him toward the intersection of telecommunications, law, and public policy.
At Texas A&M, Ahwrey is a proud member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, where he participates in philanthropy, member development, and chapter life. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Pi, a professional pre-law and government fraternity, where he co-founded the Stacey Brownlee Conference, the first undergraduate law and government conference of its kind at Texas A&M and served as both a speaker and debate participant.
Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Ahwrey enjoys soccer, pickleball, and hiking trails that make him stop and take it all in. He also has a deep love for theater arts, having founded the drama program at his middle school back in Port Townsend. Above all, he cherishes time spent with his family.
Victoria Varela
Office of Congressman Lance Gooden
U.S. Representative for Texas’ 5th Congressional District
Victoria Varela is a student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy and graduating in December 2026. She is originally from Port Lavaca, Texas, and has built her academic and professional foundation around mentorship, educational equity, and public service. Her experiences working directly with students and engaging in policy-related coursework have shaped her interest in public affairs, immigration policy, and international relations.
Victoria currently serves as a Peer Mentor and Student Tutor with the Student Support Services TRIO Program, where she provides academic guidance, individualized tutoring, and workshop support for first-generation and low-income students. Through this role, she assists students with academic planning, scholarship applications, financial literacy, and campus involvement. Her work in TRIO has strengthened her commitment to supporting underrepresented communities and has shown her the impact that mentorship and access to resources can have on student success.
In addition to her work with TRIO, Victoria serves as Co-President of PEP Talk, coordinating mental-health and wellness programming for the campus community, and as Vice President and Treasurer of Pi Sigma Alpha, where she helps organize civic engagement initiatives such as voter-registration drives and student-faculty networking events. Her academic interests were further shaped by a study abroad program in Puerto Rico, where she studied comparative political and legal systems and conducted research on sovereignty and representation.
Victoria is expanding her understanding of policymaking and gaining hands-on experience through her internship in Washington, D.C.
System University Contacts
The collaboration between the Texas A&M University Policy Internship Programs and the ten schools within the Texas A&M University System showcases a well-organized and synergistic approach to policy education and practical experience. Texas A&M University oversees the program, but each affiliated institution has appointed a liaison to provide targeted support and guidance at their own campus. Students can find their campus liaison from the list below, which facilitates personalized assistance and ensures effective engagement with the internship opportunities. This cooperative framework not only streamlines the process for participants but also enhances the program’s overall impact across the Texas A&M University System, fostering a richer educational experience for all involved.
Our Team
Stephanie Webb
Program Director
Public Policy Internship Program
[email protected]
979-845-3712
James B. Palacios
Program Manager
Public Policy Internship Program
[email protected]
979-845-3712
Chelsea DeMasters
Assistant Director
Public Policy Internship Program
[email protected]
Hollie Galluzzo
Program Coordinator
Public Policy Internship Program
[email protected]
979-845-3712
Brady Lambert
Student Assistant
Public Policy Internship Program
[email protected]
979-845-3712
Mikayla Wrenn
Program Coordinator
Public Policy Internship Program
[email protected]
979-845-3712
Madison Iversen
Graduate Assistant
Public Policy Internship Program
[email protected]
Dr. Anneliese Reinemeyer
Instructional Associate Professor
Public Policy Scholars Program
[email protected]