Spotlight

"I am passionate about education equity and income inequality! I decided to join the MPA program to learn how to be a more effective organizer and manager. "       ~(MPA) Student Aislinn Forbes — Auburn, NH

"The MCD Program gave me the words I needed to describe my experiences in community development. It also let me do a deep dive into topics which are relevant to my community and the work I am doing within my organization."       ~(MCD) Student Yyokkia Lawson — Athens, GA

"I have a passion for food system work and economic development."       ~(MCD) Student Amanda Landry — Shoreham, VT Position: I worked for an organic vegetable and fruit operation for several years at Shelburne Farms, managed an online local food market for the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link and...

"Though community development covers many broad sectors, it is ultimately about creating opportunities and accelerating progress in a way that allows all community stakeholders to have the chance to benefit in a meaningful and lasting way."       ~(MCD) Student Austin Vasko — Philadelphia, PA

"The level of applied science is fantastic, and I am already using things I've learned in my work and volunteer efforts."       ~(MCD) Student Kristen Van Bergen-Buteau — Lancaster, NH Position: Program Manager, Rural Health Network, Coos and Northern Grafton Counties, NH Education: Bachelor's in...

"Seeking a Masters in Community Development is my way of connecting my drive to help others with my love of design on a more practical and holistic scale. I am humble to be in this program and excited to continue learning."       ~(MCD) Student Victoria Pham — Haverhill, MA Position: Public...

"I want to help women become self-sufficient and financially independent."       ~(MCD) Student Jyothi Narayan — Philadelphia, PA Position: Independent Consultant working as a financial analyst for CDFIs and as an outsourced accountant for small nonprofits in Philadelphia, PA Education: Bachelor...

"I think I have become more aware and equipped to care and serve my community better. "       ~(MCD) Student Grace Martino — Niantic, CT Position: Ministries Assistant at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Assistant at Together for Hope, and Intern at the Association of Hispanic Theological...

"I found [the Washington, D.C., Colloquium] to be the most valuable aspect of the program because I got to apply classroom skills to the real world of policymaking."      ~(MPP) Alum Jordyn Kafka '19, '20G

Michael Ettlinger, director of the Carsey School, sat down with WalletHub to answer questions relating to a recent study that the personal finance website released regarding the U.S.’s most and least self-reliant states.

"The professors are extremely knowledgeable on the content and subject matter and really great to learn from... I am also starting my public health certificate at the same time and the fact that I can finish with both a degree and a certificate in the same amount of time is an incredible...

"After building a good foundation of experience – some 6 years in assisted/subsidized housing – I knew that getting my MPA was the next step in furthering my career. The MPA program put me in contention for the executive director position with the Laconia Housing Authority."       ~(MPA) Alum...