KINGSTON, R.I. – May 13, 2020 – Two University of Rhode Island juniors have been selected for prestigious international affairs and public policy programs being held this summer.

Cierra Wornum, a political science and journalism major from South Kingstown was selected for the Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute at the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy. The program promotes the inclusion of underrepresented groups in public service careers by providing fully-funded learning opportunities to undergraduates interested in policy making, government and international affairs.

Timothy Berard, a political science and Africana studies major from Hope Valley, who transferred to URI from the Community College of Rhode Island, was chosen for the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program at Howard University. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the program promotes greater diversity and excellence in the U.S. Foreign Service by providing undergraduates with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs and a greater understanding of related career opportunities.

Due to the pandemic, both programs will be offered online this year instead of in person.

Wornum will take summer courses in microeconomics, statistics, policy and writing, attend guest lectures and participate in professional development activities.

“When I was selected, I was super astounded,” said Wornum, who plans to study public policy or public administration in graduate school. “I’m looking forward to learning more about policy and statistical modules so I can really understand what public service is all about.”

She previously worked as an intern in U.S. Sen. Jack Reed’s office and serves as a liaison to the URI Student Senate’s Diversity Committee.

For Berard’s summer program, he will enroll in classes in international relations and writing and participate in networking opportunities with those working in the Department of State.

“The program will allow me to learn more about international relations and potential career paths in foreign affairs, which fits well with my interest to someday work for the Foreign Service,” he said. “I was and still am shocked that I was selected for such a prestigious and competitive program.”

He was also awarded a Benjamin Gilman Scholarship that will enable him to travel to Amman, Jordan for an upcoming semester for an intensive Arabic language program at the University of Jordan.

As a future diplomat, Berard hopes to work in the realm of human rights advocacy and is particularly interested in LGBTQ+ rights in regions such as the Middle East and Northern Africa that have minimal protections for gender and sexuality minorities.

URI students and recent graduates who are interested in applying to these or other national scholarship programs should contact the URI Office of National Fellowships and Academic Opportunities for guidance and institutional endorsement.