Back to Data & Policy Summer Scholar Program

Credential Programs

The program is intentional to create interactive spaces for students to learn, prepare and ask questions about careers in the field as well as connect with the UChicago Community. We have approximately one-three hours of community events each week of the program. 

Policy in Action Speaker Series

Hear from policy practitioners and UChicago faculty members how they use data to make policy impacts in their professional and academic work. Topics ranging from energy, education, international development, healthcare, finance and more.

Career Exploration Workshops

Learn from experienced career coaches on personal branding, resume building, networking tips and more. These interactive workshops get students thinking through their goals and skills and how to convey those in various settings.

Networking with UChicago Community 

Practice networking skills in small groups with graduate students and university alumni. Students have the opportunity hear community stories and gain insights to navigating graduate school and the career field. 

Writing in Policy Workshops

Dive into the writing methods to convey rich information, such as the data in your capstone project, in a persuasive and informative way.  These three-part series of workshops teach you policy policy writing that matters. 

Graduate Admission Panel

Ask questions of UChicago graduate students and admissions staff. Learn more about UChicago Harris graduate degree programs, application tips and general advice on the graduate school process. 

Mentor Program

Connect with a UChicago community member to share stories, professional development experiences, and gain insights to life in UChicago and the field of public policy. 

Social Activities

Join peers at weekly social events such as virtual living rooms, game nights, and more. Students also initiate activities around policy topics (policy debates, TED Talk reviews) and social activities (trivia nights, happy hours).

Read our blog post about the DPSS Virtual Community.

Headshot of Simon Zhang
Simon Zhang

"I love every single faculty member here. I've spoken with them about possibilities for my future, academical and career plans. They've been really helpful in how I can think about about my next steps."

Simon Zhang, DPSS'19, MPP'22

Read stories from DPSS alumni to learn how they leveraged the community resources. 

We encourage you to email us at harriscredential@uchicago.edu if you have any additional questions about the program.

DPSS Certificate of Completion presented to student Abygayle Rivera.
DPSS Certificate of Completion presented to student Abygayle Rivera.
DPSS Certificate of Completion presented to student Simon Zhang.
DPSS Certificate of Completion presented to student Simon Zhang.
Students at a downtown coffee chat with Harris alumni, led by Program Director Shilin Liu.
Students at a downtown coffee chat with Harris alumni, led by Program Director Shilin Liu.
Students in a group coffee chat with Program Director Shilin Liu.
Students in a group coffee chat with Program Director Shilin Liu.
Associate Director Nick Fahnders from Harris Career Development presenting at a DPSS career workshop.
Associate Director Nick Fahnders from Harris Career Development presenting at a DPSS career workshop.
2019 DPSS students presenting their capstone research project.
2019 DPSS students presenting their capstone research project.
2019 DPSS student Neha Singh representing part of her group’s capstone presentation.
2019 DPSS student Neha Singh representing part of her group’s capstone presentation.
2019 DPSS student Zheng Xuyang speaking to the class.
2019 DPSS student Zheng Xuyang speaking to the class.
Students pose for a photo after their capstone presentations.
Students pose for a photo after their capstone presentations.