Furman Public Policy Scholarship Program

The Furman Public Policy Scholarship Program is an innovative and experience-based program designed to train and support top students who are interested in pursuing careers in the public policy sector. The program emphasizes individualized academic planning and advising. Faculty and administration work closely with students to secure placements for their 1L and 2L summers, giving students the opportunity to engage in public policy issues at local, state, national, and international levels. Students also receive support in securing their post-graduate career placement, and each scholar is paired with a faculty mentor.

Scholars will be expected to participate in regular public-policy oriented discussion sessions during the year and also in a half-semester seminar focused on transforming policy proposals into shorter works (such as op-eds) that are geared towards policymakers, thought leaders, and the press.  Scholars are also guaranteed placement in the Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic in DC during their 3L year.

Key Features of the Program

• 1L summer: Furman Public Policy Scholars will have NYU Law School-funded public policy internships. 
• 2L or 3L spring semester: All Furman Public Policy Scholars are guaranteed placement in NYU Law’s Effectively Advocating for Policy Proposals, in which they will work on translating a policy proposal into shorter written pieces (such as op-eds, briefing materials, and social media posts) that are geared towards policymakers, thought leaders, and the media. 
  • Effectively Advocating for Policy Proposals is taught by Lily Batchelder and Martha Coven, who have collectively held a number of senior positions in the nonprofit sector, Congress, and the Obama and Biden administrations, including at the White House Domestic Policy Council and National Economic Council, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Treasury Department.

• 3L fall semester: All Furman Public Policy Scholars have the opportunity to spend a semester of their third year in an externship, either through NYU Law's Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic or another program. For certain students, the 3L semester may be an opportunity to work on a political campaign or initiative, with faculty supervision. 

  • The Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic is taught by former White House Counsel Robert Bauer and Sally Katzen, who held a number of senior positions in the Clinton administration. Students work four days a week in a federal agency or government office, and also attend a weekly seminar as well as special sessions with senior government officials and guest lecturers.

  Focus on Advising

  The program emphasizes individualized academic planning and advising. Each scholar works closely with a faculty adviser in his or her specific policy field. These advisers review and approve the scholars' academic plans, and assist scholars with their internship plans.