Comments from Recent Fellows

“PPSF provided me with an opportunity to work alongside members of the community in a more sustained way than would be possible during the school year. I leave this summer feeling more comfortable identifying as a resident of the city–not solely as a Yale College student. The fellowship has energized me to continue learning more about the city, New Haven politics, Yale-New Haven relationships, and local activism. Thank you so much for an incredible summer!”

“There was nothing I could have done this summer that would have allowed me to make New Haven my home the way this Fellowship did. It was an enriching experience, and I would heartily recommend it to anyone.”

“This summer, not only have I built some amazing relationships with children and adults from all over New Haven, but I also feel as though I’ve built a home for myself here. By venturing beyond Yale’s campus and exploring all that New Haven has to offer, I’ve come to realize what a special place our city is.”

“In addition to technical skills, this internship has exposed me to community organizing and some very impressive local community leaders who are on the front lines, fighting to preserve the integrity of their neighborhoods.”

“Being a PPSF Fellow was an invaluable opportunity. Not only was I able to learn about the robust city that New Haven is, but I was also able to gain a better understanding of how to develop my educational leadership skills.”

“One of the most rewarding aspects of the President’s Fellowship has been the chance to meet with and learn from other Yale students, both graduates and undergraduates. The most interesting discussions we had concerned ‘town-gown’ issues, and how ethnic and racial identity figures into the relationship between Yale students and other members of the local community.”

“One of its great values has been to give me the practical skills that I’d never gotten in my courses.”

“My view of the weekly fellowship meetings changed from a weekly responsibility to an anticipated fun event that I actually would come home inspired by a new story or situation another fellow was involved with. Each week I would see New Haven and community involvement through new eyes. The diversity in background and interest complemented the energy and passion possessed by most of the fellows. It was wonderful to be part of a group who possessed qualities of passion, hope, integrity, and honesty.”

“Building relationships with peers who are not enmeshed in Yale life was an important reminder that individuals’ lives differ wildly and do not always conform to the trajectories that are familiar and accepted on campus.  Getting to know their unique stories - their personal growth and aspirations - I reaffirm my understanding that these ‘alternative’ paths are as valid and valuable as those that are more prevalent amongst my college friends.”

If you have questions, please email ppsf@yale.edu.