UMass Public Policy students named Civic Action Project Fellows

Five UMass School of Public Policy students have been selected for the 2021 Civic Action Project fellowship program, which provides internships, mentoring and training for emerging public service leaders.

UMass School of Public Policy 2021 Civic Action Project fellows
UMass School of Public Policy 2021 Civic Action Project fellows

They are part of a group of 20 graduate students, drawn from policy and public affairs programs around Massachusetts, taking part in the competitive summer program.

“The CAP fellowship program has been an incredible opportunity for School of Public Policy students, helping them gain invaluable professional experience and connect with leaders and experts in the fields they plan to pursue,” said SPP Director Alasdair Roberts.

This year’s program kicked off at a June 3 event at the UMass Club in Boston, with former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick giving a keynote address.

Fellows will spend four days each week at internships tailored to meet their individual policy interests, including placements with legislators, in government offices, in the nonprofit and corporate sectors, and in the media.

“I’m looking forward to learning more about the inner workings of our government, all while receiving guidance and mentorship from experienced public sector professionals,” said Khalif Nunnally-Rivera, who will work in the office of Massachusetts state Sen. Eric Lesser.

Alphoncina Lyamuya will spend the summer working with the Massachusetts Tech Collaborative. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to learn and gain hands-on experience on the issue of digital inclusion through my CAP placement,” Lyamuya said. “I hope to put into good use the skills that I’ve gained from SPP and to gain further understanding of collaborative initiatives to bridge different layers of the digital divide.”

Cas Martin will intern with the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students, a joint initiative of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Commission on LGBTQ Youth. “My dream job is working with my beloved LGBTQ+ community to protect transgender youth, and for 12 weeks this summer, CAP will support me in exactly that endeavor,” he said.

One day a week, the fellows will gather for a day of meetings focused on the practical skills needed to be effective change agents. Each weekly meeting will include guest speakers from government, activist and advocacy groups, think tanks and the media. In addition, each fellow is matched with a personal mentor, with whom they will connect over the course of the summer.

Fifteen SPP students have participated in the CAP fellowship program since its founding in 2019.

SPP’s 2021 Civic Action Project fellows and their internships:

  • Irene Gao, MPP, Blue Cross Blue Shield Office of Sustainability
  • Alphoncina Lyamuya, MPPA, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
  • Cas Martin, MPPA, Education Division of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth
  • Khalif Nunnally-Rivera, MPPA, the office of Massachusetts state Sen. Eric Lesser
  • Lily Robinson, MPP, CommonWealth Magazine