MPPA Scholar-in-Residence

Two students look at papers spread over a table. One is writing while the other holds a binder.

Supporting the York Community through Research and Relationships

The Master of Public Policy and Administration Scholar-in-Residence program offers to a qualified student a two-year research residency with the Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy and the opportunity to earn a Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA). It is available to an individual who has earned a Bachelor's degree in a pertinent field, has an interest in public policy/administration, and has demonstrated the ability to conduct reliable and valid research.

Assuming successful progress in both research assignments and coursework, the residency is for a period of 24 months. The goals of the program are 1) to provide the Scholar-in-Residence with the opportunity to advance their education in the field of public policy and administration by attaining and MPPA degree; and 2) to provide the fellow with meaningful research projects that will benefit the York community, the goals of the York College Center for Community Engagement (CCE), and the Scholar-in-Residence’s research portfolio.

Kristie Houck

2023-25 MPPA Scholar-in-Residence

Kristie Houck graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a B.S. in Psychology. She has worked with at-risk youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems for over three years at the Youth Advocate Programs (YAP). As an advocate, she worked with youths and their families to accomplish goals and connect them to community resources. Now, as the Scholar-in-Residence, Kristie will support the work of the York College Urban Collaborative by researching equitable and quality housing in York City.

Becoming an MPPA Scholar-in-Residence

Learn more about the Scholar-in-Residence and Master of Public Policy and Administration program at York College of Pennsylvania.

The successful MPPA Scholar-in-Residence candidate will be provided with:

Full tuition remission for all courses required to complete the MPPA.
A rent-free unfurnished apartment at York College’s Marketview Arts facility for the period of residency.
A monthly stipend of $800.
Shared workspace in the Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy at the Center for Community Engagement.

The Scholar-in-Residence is responsible for all applicable taxes, must be eligible to work in the U.S., and is not eligible for the College benefits package.

Complete coursework (36 credits) associated with earning an MPPA degree during the period of residency.
Provide research assistance and output as assigned by the CCE Dean and Director of the Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy (approximately 25 hours/week).
Provide regular updates both to supervisors and, as appropriate, through public events.
Collaborate with CCE staff and appropriate York College faculty to advance projects and community-based learning opportunities.
Develop relationships with key stakeholders in the York region, including both governmental and non-governmental leaders, so as to align work with the College’s and York’s priorities.
Mentor undergraduates (including 4+1 MPPA students and Public Affairs Scholars) and collaborate with other graduate students on projects, where appropriate.

To align the Scholar-in-Residence’s work with the priorities of the College, its donors, the CCE, the Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy, and the York community, each iteration of this fellowship will have a specific research focus area. The research focus area for the 2023-25 Scholar-in-Residence is community and economic development. This includes, but is not limited to, promoting homeownership and affordable housing options, building vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods, community and individual health, and strategic and equitable redevelopment efforts.

The York College Center for Community Engagement (CCE) has as its mission promoting the College’s positive relationship with the local community and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of its citizens. It partners with community organizations, rallies support for positive change and equity, informs and engages our students in community-based learning projects, develops community and research-minded leaders, and empowers people—particularly historically underserved populations—toward enacting a socially just community.

The Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy is a bipartisan public policy institute. As a student-staffed, faculty-led organization, the Glatfelter Institute unites the intellectual capital of an institution of higher education with the public policy research and administration needs of the community to advance socioeconomic mobility, build the knowledge base of our community, and educate tomorrow’s experts and leaders in public affairs. Its mission is to use community education, objective research, and rigorous public policy research, analysis, and development to advance socioeconomic mobility. The Institute, as a division of the York College CCE, is committed to producing valid, unbiased, and useful studies to support public policies that serve citizens in equitable ways and advance socioeconomic mobility. We are also committed to informing the public about key policy issues through panels, speakers, and other events. The Institute produces unbiased, bipartisan research reports and policy analyses and supports the development of pertinent public policies that build a stronger region and help decision-makers create effective public policies. It also offers a range of events on topics of interest to York’s citizens, featuring expert speakers, panels, debates, film viewings, and community discussions. The Institute supports undergraduate, graduate, and faculty-driven research aimed at increasing understanding of real-world problems and identifying solutions. It educates public affairs experts and leaders through York College’s Master of Public Policy and Administration Program and Urban Planning and Nonprofit Leadership Certificates. The Institute is made possible through generous funding from the Arthur J. and Lee R. Glatfelter Foundation.

Openings for the Scholar-in-Residence position will be posted on York College's Employment Opportunities page.

To apply, candidates should submit:

An application for admission to the MPPA program at York College of Pennsylvania, including an undergraduate transcript.
A one-page letter of application, describing qualifications, research interests and goals, facility with pertinent quantitative and qualitative research methods, and relevant research experiences.
A one-page analysis of a public policy and/or public administration problem impacting small cities, and a feasible public policy solution.
A substantial writing sample of no more than 20 pages that demonstrates research-based writing.
Three letters of recommendation and contact information of undergraduate professors and/or employers from relevant positions.
A current résumé or curriculum vitae.

GRE scores are NOT required.

Finalists will be invited for an interview to further discuss their experience and qualifications.

For further information, contact CCE Dean Dominic DelliCarpini (dcarpini@ycp.edu).