Public Service Weekend 2024
Join a community of future leaders, expand your network, and gain experience in the nation's capital. Apply now for Heinz College's Public Service Weekend, a free conference and hackathon for undergraduate students from July 19-21, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about career and education opportunities in public policy, service, and public interest technology—fields that have impact.
- Hear from and interact with academics, leaders and practitioners in public policy, government, foreign affairs, and advocacy
- Grow leadership and professional development skills
- Participate in a policy hackathon where you learn to design "moonshot" solutions to stubborn public-interest problems. This year's focus is on AI, equity and workforce development.
- Meet and connect with future public-interest leaders.
Who Should apply?
Undergraduates from all majors and backgrounds should apply, particularly those with a
commitment to working on policy issues involving social justice and equity. Past attendees have majored in public policy, political science or government, the humanities, business and tech. We encourage applications from students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Priority will be given to rising juniors and seniors.
What is a policy hackathon?
Hackathons bring people together to collaborate and develop innovative solutions to policy challenges in a short period of time. During this policy-focused hackathon, you'll work in teams to apply what you have learned during the weekend to develop moonshot ideas related to AI, equity and the future of work, and prepare a presentation for judging on Sunday.
No, you don't need to know how to code; no tech skills required. And you don't need to be a subject matter expert. Each team will be assigned a Heinz alumni mentor to assist, answer your questions and help build connections. Three teams will be recognized during the event.
Meet Your Program Hosts
Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, a leader in public policy and public interest technology for more than 50 years, PSW 2024 will bring together a diverse group of participants and practitioners—including policymakers, technologists, designers and leaders—to talk about critical issues facing our country and ways that future leaders can develop innovative solutions to pressing societal problems.
Key dates
Participants must be able to attend each session of the weekend, which will be held in person at the Heinz College campus in Washington, D.C. The conference is free to attend and will include materials and refreshments on all three days; transportation and travel to Washington, D.C., is not included.
Friday, July 19
6-8:30 PM
Saturday, July 20
9AM-7PM
Sunday, July 21
9AM-2PM
Heinz PSW students are also invited to attend the PPIA Public Service Expo on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Application information
Deadline to Apply: June 20, 2024
The application form requires interested students to answer a few basic questions and to upload the following documents:
- Current Resume
- Unofficial copy of transcript from your undergrad institution
- Personal Statement: Submit an essay that responds to the questions listed below (combined response should be no more than 1,000 words):
- What about your background/experience has inspired you to explore a career in public policy or international affairs?
- How do you envision your career path impacting the policy issues you are most interested in?
- How will attending Public Service Weekend help you achieve your career goals?