Schar School of Policy and Government

06/01/2026

At the Schar School, Washington, D.C. is more than a backdrop, it’s an extension of the classroom.

Students benefit from unmatched access to internships, networking opportunities, policy institutions, global organizations, and government agencies that shape the world.

Few places offer the same opportunity to learn policy where policy happens!

05/20/2026

Hear from our Government & International Politics undergraduate students about their experience in the Pre-Law Learning Community.

From engaging coursework to hands-on experiences like field trips and conversations with legal professionals, students are building skills, connections, and clarity about their future paths.

Learn more about the Pre-Law Learning Community: https://ow.ly/5GrM50YJ1qh

05/19/2026

Join us June 3 for an engaging conversation on the future of the National Capital Region.

As part of the Schar School’s 10-year anniversary celebration since its naming, the Center for Regional Analysis will host regional leaders for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping our region—from business growth and attainable housing to Metro funding and the American Legion Bridge.

Wednesday, June 3
5 to 7 p.m.
Fuse 1311, Mason Square (Arlington, Virginia)

Moderator: Taylor Chess, Senior Managing Director, Development, Peterson Companies
Panelists:
Terry Clower, Director, Center for Regional Analysis
Ryan T. McLaughlin, CAE, CEO, NVAR - Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®
Jason Stanford, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance

Register here: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/2099833/1969835/

05/18/2026

This spring, Schar School student Lily Jacobs is interning on Capitol Hill in the Senate.

Interested in pursuing a career in public service or foreign policy analysis, Lily shares how this internship has given her hands-on experience in a governmental environment where she attends briefings and hearings, writes policy briefs and memos, and answers constituent calls.

Paired with her Government and International Politics major and Intelligence Studies minor at the Schar School, Lily is well-equipped to practice a future career serving both domestic and international publics after graduating in 2028.

05/14/2026

Organizations today face constant change, from evolving technologies to shifting workplace cultures. Leading through that change requires new skills in collaboration, knowledge sharing, and organizational learning.

The MS in Organization Development and Knowledge Management (ODKM) at the Schar School helps professionals become effective change leaders within their organizations. Through an experiential program, students develop expertise in coaching, organizational development, and knowledge management while learning how to strengthen teams and drive meaningful organizational transformation.

The program is offered in a flexible hybrid format with classes on Friday evenings and select Saturdays, allowing students to continue advancing their careers while earning their degree.

Learn more and start your application: https://ow.ly/eWn050YrX0s

05/14/2026

Earlier this semester, students in the Schar School’s Pre-Law Learning Community traveled to Richmond, Virginia, for two days of immersive learning and networking.

The trip included a live session of the Virginia General Assembly, meetings with legislators and legal professionals, tours of the Virginia State Capitol and Executive Mansion, and a visit to the University of Richmond School of Law.

For sophomore Ella Waters, the experience reinforced her passion for public service and government.

“Being able to see the Virginia General Assembly in session…was invigorating,” she said.

Read more about the experience:

Members of the Schar School Pre-Law Learning Community visited Richmond, Virginia, for two days of immersive, experiential learning.

05/13/2026

Surprise! We have a second great podcast episode this week.

Women’s representation and equality remain under pressure in today’s political climate. On the latest episode, David Ramadan and guest co-host Bonnie Stabile speak with Katherine Spillar, Executive Editor of Ms. Magazine, about the ongoing fight for women’s rights, representation, and leadership in America.

Listen as they explore why women’s voices must be centered in policymaking and why storytelling remains essential in advancing equality: https://schar.gmu.edu/podcast

05/12/2026

Across generations, women have organized, led, and sustained movements for social change. But too often, their voices have been pushed aside — or left out of the historical record altogether.

The latest episode of the Schar School’s Policy and Governance Perspectives podcast explores how the Persisterhood Project at George Mason University is working to change that.

Host David Ramadan is joined by Robbin Warner, research affiliate faculty at the Schar School and founder and co-director of the Persisterhood Project, alongside founding student researcher Abbi Tesreau. Together, they discuss the project’s mission to preserve the oral histories of women activists from 2016 to today — ensuring their voices, experiences, and impact are documented for future generations.

At a time when democracy and women’s voices face growing challenges, this conversation is both timely and essential.

Listen to the episode and learn why preserving these stories matters now more than ever: https://schar.gmu.edu/podcast

05/08/2026

Schar School students will gain hands-on experience researching real policy questions for the U.S. State Department.

Associate Professor Ketian Zhang, faculty director of the International Relations Policy Task Force (IRTF), secured four project placements through the State Department’s Diplomacy Lab for fall 2026.

These placements are awarded to participating universities to conduct research on specific policy questions posed by State Department offices. This marks the most proposals IRTF has received from the Diplomacy Lab.

Through these projects, students will translate research into actionable policy reports for real-world government stakeholders. Read more: https://schar.gmu.edu/news/2026-05/international-relations-policy-task-force-partners-state-department-policy-projects

05/07/2026

Effective public policy starts with strong analysis and evidence-based decision-making.

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Schar School prepares students to analyze complex challenges and develop solutions that advance the public good. Through training in policy analysis, research methods, and economics, students gain the skills needed to understand and address issues such as environmental policy, human trafficking, economic development, and more.

Learn more and start your application: https://ow.ly/F4qc50YrWTw