Undergraduate Program in Public Affairs Innovation Fund

Connecting the dots between theory and action

As soon as they enter the classroom for “Public Affairs 10. Social Problems and Social Change,” our undergraduates are challenged to think about their own theory of change in terms of the world’s most pressing issues like climate change, inequality, or criminal justice. From that point forward, our students know they are part of a program that emphasizes the use of social science to improve society. Drawing from the breadth of expertise at the Luskin School, the Undergraduate Program in Public Affairs cultivates the next generation of civic-minded leaders through a rigorous program that combines not only critical thinking and social science methodology, but experiential learning as well.

For a Public Affairs major, learning continues outside the classroom through interaction with the real world. Our students receive rigorous, relevant, and rewarding leadership development training through a Life after Luskin speaker series that highlights career paths in public affairs; workshops that teach professional skills like negotiations, managing ‘up’, or developing a personal digital brand; community impact trainings on how to build coalitions and become a better ally; and field trips to volunteer in schools and nonprofit organizations.

Because our program encourages students to think beyond UCLA, community engagement is at its core. As seniors, our students participate in a three-quarter experiential learning capstone program that integrates the classroom and the community. They interact with the world through internships located throughout Los Angeles in community-based organizations, businesses, or governments. They may also participate in international internships or attend the UC in DC or UC in Sacramento programs. This on-the-ground experience is paired with a seminar where students reflect on their internship, learn from peers, and apply what they have learned in the community to their coursework. The experiential learning capstone gives our students the opportunity to build practical expertise while also deepening their understanding of their coursework.

Your gift will help support opportunities for Public Affairs students to connect theory to action so that they may work to make the world a better place.