Public Service Scholars Program
Current ScholarsHistory of PSSP
PSSP Scholars & Theses Abstracts (from 2004)
PSSP Alumni
Apply to be a Public Service scholar! Students from all majors are encouraged to consider this opportunity. The Application for the 2008-09 program is due May 2, 2008 [DOC].
The Public Service Scholars Program (PSSP) was established in 1994 as a program for students wishing to connect public service with their academic work and research interests through an honors thesis. Students admitted to the program participate in PSSP during their senior year concurrently with the honors program in their major academic department or program. The year-long program is committed to supporting students in writing a thesis that meets both high standards of academic rigor and also to make the results of the thesis useful to a specific community or organization, or available for the public interest.
Key elements and themes of the program:
• ENGAGING DISCUSSION: Through readings in literature, philosophy and social science, discussion, and guest speakers in a weekly seminar, students explore ideas such as the role of the university and research in social change, the nature of social issues, the influence of academic scholarship, public scholarship and the nature of the human condition. These discussions provide the larger framework and context for conducting research as a form of public service. Program participants register in Urban Studies 198: Honors Public Service Research Seminar, Fall and Winter – 3 units; Spring – 1 unit.
• COMMUNITY: PSSP students and staff form an interdisciplinary community who provide support and diverse perspectives while sharing the conduct of outstanding academic research and exploring ways to provide something of value to the community, broadly defined. The 2005-06 PSSP class includes students writing theses in Public Policy, Political Science, Anthropological Sciences, Human Biology, Education, History, International Relations, Sociology, and Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity. Early in the fall quarter, an overnight retreat provides the foundational community-building experience for the group. As one Public Service Scholar suggests: “I would stress the unexpectedly eye-opening experience of spending a few hours a week with students you might never otherwise interact with at Stanford."
• SERVICE PLAN: During the course of the year, each student develops a public service plan by identifying audiences who might be interested in or benefit from their thesis research. Through this process, participants are challenged to make the link between scholarly research and the public good. Knowing their research will do more than “sit on the shelf" is a powerful motivation during the thesis-writing process.
• MENTORSHIP: By request, students are matched with a Stanford staff, faculty or community member who serves as a mentor. The mentor relationship is highly individual, but mentors typically provide advice and support to foster the public service dimension of the thesis research, and to pursue larger questions of how this work relates to students’ life and career goals. For many Public Service Scholars this relationship is a highlight of the program.
• SUPPORT AND STRUCTURE: PSSP is designed to complement the academic department honors programs and the efforts of faculty advisors during the thesis-writing process. PSSP provides opportunities to share writing in small groups, solve problems collaboratively, and critique thesis plans, conceptual frameworks and methodologies. The program offers the structure and accountability necessary for the successful completion of participants’ theses.
• ‘RESEARCH WITH A PUBLIC PURPOSE’: In May, each student makes an individual presentation of his/her thesis and the public service implications/application and importance of the work as part of the mini-conference “Research With a Public Purpose." This presentation provides an opportunity to celebrate the results of their year-long work.
Requirements of the Program
1. Department/program approval for participation in honors thesis prior to August 2007,
2. Weekly attendance at seminar and fulfillment of outside assignments (e.g., readings, reflections),
3. Full attendance and participation in fall retreat (October 19-20, 2007),
4. Commitment to the Public Service Scholars community to participate fully and provide support and feedback to others in the group,
5. Work with faculty thesis advisor to ensure thesis meets all requirements of academic department or program.
6. Develop a public service plan to make connections between thesis research and community/constituency needs and/or the public good, and
7. Presentation of thesis work and the public service implications/applications in a public forum at the end of the year
* While not required, participation in the relevant Honors College program is strongly suggested. Students whose departments do not offer an Honors College program may be able to participate in the one offered through the Program in Urban Studies.