The Roger Herz Public Service Scholar Program (PSSP) is a one-year, 12-credit program for Hunter college juniors and seniors interested in exploring public service as a career. The core of PSSP is a placement in a public or non-profit agency or elected official's office, paired with academic seminars and educational instruction on career and policy issues of concern to New York City. Students enroll for a full academic year, from September to May, and receive a stipend.
PSSP offers placements in a wide range of non-profit organizations, government agencies, and elected official's offices. Scholars work at their placements 20 hours per week from September through May of the program year. Placements are substantive and policy related, giving scholars the opportunity to work alongside and learn from public service professionals who develop strategies to manage pressing urban problems. Placements vary each year, depending on the interests of students and the needs of agencies.
More than 200 agencies have partnered with PSSP to provide substantive and high-level internship opportunities to our students. The group of placement agencies changes each year based on the needs of agencies and the interests of students. In 2024-2025, seven scholars are participating in the program through two elected officials’ offices, one public agency, and four non-profit agencies.
Current and former placement agencies:
Career advancement events and activities arm graduates with the skills, knowledge and connections to enter the public service workforce and advance in their careers. PSS have access to high-achieving and respected public service professionals–experts in their fields, who are the scholars’ supervisors, co-workers, mentors and classroom instructors. PSSP also hosts career and graduate education workshops and networking events; pairs students with public service mentors; and offers access to an extensive alumni network.