Clinton School International Public Service Projects 2027

Applications are open for the Clinton School International Public Service Projects (IPSP) 2027, an initiative that connects organizations working on public service and global development challenges with graduate students from the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas. The programme invites international partner organizations and domestic organizations with a global focus to submit project proposals for the Summer 2027 placement period.

The International Public Service Projects programme gives organizations an opportunity to work with Master of Public Service students who apply their academic training, research skills and practical knowledge to real world challenges. Projects are designed around the needs identified by the host organization and the communities it serves, helping partners advance research, strengthen programmes and develop practical resources.

The summer placement is an intensive, stipend supported experience lasting eight weeks, from May 24 to July 27, 2027. During this period, selected students work with their host organizations on defined projects intended to address organizational priorities and community needs. Students also gain hands on public service experience while developing their professional and cross cultural understanding.

About the Opportunity

The International Public Service Projects programme is managed through the Office of Field Service at the Clinton School of Public Service. It forms part of the school's practical learning approach, allowing students to apply the knowledge and skills developed during their Master of Public Service studies to challenges faced by public service organizations.

Each project is developed in response to the needs of the host organization and its community. Rather than assigning every participant to the same standard activity, the programme supports tailored projects with clear objectives and useful outcomes. Depending on the host's needs, a student may conduct research, evaluate an existing programme, develop tools, assess community needs or contribute to strategic planning.

The programme has supported projects in different countries and with organizations working across a range of public service areas. Previous projects have addressed subjects such as family literacy, emergency response planning, sustainable agriculture, community development, fundraising capacity and public policy.

For host organizations, the placement can provide dedicated research and project support. For students, it offers an opportunity to learn from practitioners, work in a different cultural setting and contribute to a defined public service challenge.

Opportunity Benefits

Participating organizations may benefit from the following:

• Dedicated support from a Clinton School Master of Public Service student during the placement period.

• Research and analysis relevant to the organization's work and priorities.

• Assistance with programme design, evaluation and strategic planning.

• Development of practical resources, toolkits and organizational materials.

• Needs assessments that help identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.

• Best practice research to inform organizational decisions.

• Opportunities to strengthen internal capacity and improve programme planning.

• Collaboration with a graduate public service programme focused on practical learning and community needs.

The student experience is stipend supported. Organizations should confirm the placement arrangements with the Clinton School and should not assume that the programme provides direct grant funding to host institutions.

Programme Areas

Project proposals may focus on the specific needs of the host organization and the communities it serves. Common areas of work include:

• Programme design: Developing or improving programmes in response to identified community needs.

• Toolkit development: Preparing practical guides, frameworks or resources for staff and programme participants.

• Empirical research: Collecting and analysing information to understand a public service issue.

• Best practices research: Reviewing existing approaches and identifying lessons that may inform organizational work.

• Needs assessments: Identifying service gaps, community priorities and opportunities for intervention.

• Programme evaluation: Examining programme implementation, performance and potential improvements.

• Strategic planning: Supporting organizational priorities and long term planning.

• Community outreach: Helping organizations understand community needs and strengthen engagement with relevant stakeholders.

Proposals should explain the challenge to be addressed and describe the type of work a student could realistically complete during the eight week placement.

Eligibility Criteria

The call is intended for organizations interested in hosting a Clinton School Master of Public Service student during Summer 2027. Eligible applicants include global partner organizations and domestic organizations with a global mission.

Host organizations should be prepared to:

• Offer a project connected to an identifiable organizational or community need.

• Accommodate the placement dates from May 24 to July 27, 2027.

• Assign a dedicated staff supervisor who can guide the student and support project progress.

• Provide an appropriate workspace while the student is on site.

• Arrange an organizational orientation at the beginning of the placement.

• Complete a brief final assessment covering the student and project outcomes.

Organizations should ensure that their proposed project is appropriate for an eight week placement and that staff members are available to provide guidance throughout the assignment.

Required Application Information

Interested organizations should submit a project proposal through the official International Public Service Projects partner application form.

When preparing a proposal, organizations should be ready to explain:

• The organization and its mission.

• The public service or community challenge the project will address.

• The proposed project scope and intended activities.

• The expected outputs or practical deliverables.

• How the project relates to the organization's priorities.

• The supervision and workspace arrangements available to the student.

Applicants should consult the official application form for the precise questions and any additional information requested by the Clinton School. The points above are preparation guidance, not a substitute for the official form.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in hosting a student for the 2027 International Public Service Projects should follow these steps.

1. Review the programme information. Visit the official Clinton School website to understand the purpose, schedule and expectations of the International Public Service Projects programme.
2. Identify a suitable project. Choose a specific organizational or community need that can be addressed through research, programme development, evaluation, needs assessment or another relevant project activity.
3. Prepare the proposal. Describe the project objectives, proposed activities, expected outcomes and the support the organization can provide to the student.
4. Confirm host arrangements. Ensure that a staff supervisor, workspace and organizational orientation can be provided during the placement.
5. Submit the partner application. Complete the official online application form for International Public Service Projects.
6. Apply before the deadline. Submit the project proposal no later than December 1, 2026.
7. Monitor the matching process. The Clinton School expects final student and project matches to be confirmed by mid February 2027.