Graduate Scholarship Partnerships

By the time their fellowship is concluded, Hunger Fellows are planning their next steps toward using their leadership capabilities and experience in fighting hunger and poverty. For many, this next step may be studying for an advanced degree. 

We have established partnerships with leading schools of public policy to offer current and former Hunger Fellows reduced tuition for their studies.

Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College

Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College consistently ranks as one of the world’s top public affairs graduate schools.

Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Heinz College’s School of Public Policy and Management is for future policy leaders who are concerned about societal consequences, who are excited by data and technology driven insights and who ultimately want to change the world for the better.

The Congressional Hunger Center’s partnership with Heinz College began in 2007.

ImageAerial View of Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh Pa. Photo: Dllu

Aerial View of Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh Pa. Photo: Dllu

What programs are available?

Master of Science in Public Policy and Management

The full-time Master of Science in Public Policy & Management (MSPPM) program prepares future leaders in government, non-profits, and consulting with quantitative management skills and rich experiential learning. (Learn more)

The MSPPM is offered as a two academic year study, or as a three semester study with prior professional experience or participation in a leadership program, such as the Emerson and Leland Fellowships. Current fellows and alums may begin the three semester track in August following the completion of their fellowship and complete the MSPPM program in 16 months, graduating in December of the following year.

Master of Science in Health Care Policy and Management

The Master of Science in Health Care Policy & Management (MSHCPM) is a full-time program for the next generation of health care managers and leaders, providing expertise across the health care continuum. (Learn more)

The MSHCPM is offered as a four semester program, including a required summer internship. Current fellows and alums may begin in August following the completion of their fellowship and complete the MSHCPM program in two years.

What are the benefits?

Current Hunger Fellows and alums in the MSPPM or MSHCPM program are eligible for a 50% minimum scholarship award, as well as reimbursements for travel to the campus for fall visitation weekend.

Who is eligible?

All current and former Bill Emerson National and Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows are eligible for the scholarship.

How do I apply?

Questions? Contact the Heinz College admissions office at [email protected] or (412) 268-2164.

University of Virginia Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy

Of the 250-plus schools of public policy and administration in the United States, the University of Virginia Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy has the distinction of being the only one explicitly committed to teaching leadership—how it works, why context matters in decision-making and which actions lead to tangible results. The school’s programs inspire students to act vigorously, effectively and ethically on behalf of the common good.

The Congressional Hunger Center’s partnership with the Frank Batten School began in 2018.

University of Virginia Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy logoGarrett Hall, home of the UVA Frank Batten School. Photo: UVA Frank Batten School.

Garrett Hall, home of the UVA Frank Batten School. Photo: UVA Frank Batten School.

What programs are available?

Master of Public Policy

The two-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) program provides students with a strong foundation in the concepts, methods and strategies of policy analysis and effective leadership. To earn the MPP, students must complete 49 credits and a 400-hour policy-based internship in the summer between the first and second year. In addition to core courses, students are required to take 15 elective credits, which allow students an opportunity to gain substantive expertise in their areas of policy interest. The capstone of the program is an Applied Policy Project in which students perform a professional-quality study for a real-world client under faculty supervision. (Learn more)

What are the benefits?

Current Hunger Fellows and alums in the MPP program who are residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia are eligible for a scholarship of at least $12,500 per semester; non-resident Hunger Fellows and alums are eligible for a scholarship of at least $20,000 per semester.

Who is eligible?

All current and former Bill Emerson National and Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows are eligible for the scholarship.

How do I apply?

The first round application deadline for the MPP program is January 15, 2020, and the second round deadline is March 20, 2020. Hunger Fellows and alums seeking a scholarship may apply in either round.

Questions? Contact the Frank Batten School admissions office at (contacts) or (434) 924-0812.

Join Us


Do you represent a graduate school interested in partnering with us? Contact Program Associate Emma Williamson for more information.