More than 40 students from the Clinton School of Public Service are set to embark on their International Public Service Projects (IPSP) this May.
The 41 students from the Class of 2027 will work on eight-week individual global projects spanning 17 countries across five continents. These dedicated scholars will collaborate with a wide range of international partners and domestic organizations with a global reach.
The IPSP is a cornerstone of the Master of Public Service curriculum, allowing students who have completed their first year to apply their classroom skills to meaningful, real-world challenges. From supporting the Los Cabos Children’s Foundation to partnering with organizations like Bridge2Rwanda and Vital Voices Global Partnership, this year’s cohort is poised to make a tangible difference in the global community.
“The International Public Service Project is a transformative experience where our students move beyond borders to become global citizens,” said Tiffany Jacob, Director of International Programs in the Office of Field Service at the Clinton School. “By engaging with a wide range of communities and organizations, our students will contribute their skills to helping solve complex issues while building the cross-cultural empathy and collaborative mindsets essential for modern public service leadership.”
Promoting Food Security in Rwanda
Abby Swartz, a native of Winchester, Virginia, will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, to work with Bridge2Rwanda (B2R) Farms. B2R Farms trains Rwandan farmers in conservation agriculture to promote food security and climate resiliency.
Swartz will assist the Clinton School’s Impact Center in conducting an evaluation to help B2R Farms assess its expansion. Her role involves conducting focus groups with farmers to gather qualitative data.
“This evaluation will allow B2R Farms to assess program impact and expansion in Rwanda,” Swartz noted.
Elevating Women’s Leadership in D.C.
Sydney Roulhac of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, will remain stateside in Washington, D.C., to support the Vital Voices Global Partnership. The nonprofit is dedicated to supporting women leaders who drive worldwide progress.
Roulhac will work on a Global Women’s Leadership Impact & Network Analytics project, bridging the gap between data-driven metrics and the human stories behind leadership.
“This project stood out to me because it combines data, storytelling, and global impact,” Roulhac said. “I am excited to learn how data can be used to elevate and advocate for leaders doing on the ground work.”
Advocating for Healthcare Rights in Sri Lanka
Eleanor Barker, a student from Ventura, California, is traveling to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, to partner with the Gammadda Movement, which translates to “heart of the village.” The organization works to develop rural Sri Lanka through health, education, infrastructure, and disaster relief projects.
Barker will conduct qualitative public health research to measure barriers to healthcare access. Her work was inspired by her first-year Practicum project with Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she learned that rural communities often face unique healthcare obstacles while evaluating the hospital’s continuing education training for school nurses across the state.
“I hope that my research will provide useful recommendations for how Gammadda can plan localized interventions to support healthcare access and awareness of citizens’ rights to healthcare,” Barker said. This research will culminate in an academic paper that will inform non-profit responses in healthcare advocacy and community interventions.”
A Global Perspective on Service
As the Class of 2027 departs this month, they carry with them a commitment to learning and collaboration.
“Public service isn’t limited to one place, and global collaboration allows us to learn from others to build more effective strategies,” Roulhac said. “I am grateful for the foundation the Clinton School has laid in encouraging me to think broadly and about others beyond my own view.”
The Clinton School looks forward to the stories of innovation and leadership these students will share upon their return this fall.