We welcome the next generation of civic leaders to engage with us through our fellowships, internships, events, research funding, and experiential learning opportunities. We look forward to hearing your ideas, and value your involvement in our activities.
The Initiative on Cities (IOC) is excited to announce that Ellie Nakasone-Amaguin (CAS ’26) has been awarded the IOC Student Prize for the 2026 school year. Ellie is an Architectural Studies student and will be pursuing a master's degree in Urban Planning at Columbia University this fall. The $1,000 prize is presented annually to one […]
Applications for the Initiative on Cities (IOC) 2026–2027 Menino Fellowship with the National League of Cities (NLC) are now open for Boston University undergraduate students and due May 31, 2026. The Menino Fellowship provides one Boston University undergraduate student with the opportunity to explore interests in public service, city-level programs and policies, and municipal leadership on […]
My experience with the Menino Fellowship during my final year at Boston University was incredibly rewarding and meaningful. It not only prepared me for life after graduation but also equipped me with valuable skills in research, writing, collaboration, and interviewing. I first heard about the fellowship through the BU Newbury Center’s newsletter and applied because […]
Calling all Boston University students: IOC's 2026 summer internship applications are now open! This year, the Initiative on Cities is offering four full-time, paid summer internships in the public sector. You can now apply: all information related to the internships is on their respective pages. Please note that, to apply, you must be in good […]
We are excited to announce Isabella Alvarado (CAS’27) as the 2025–2026 Boston University Initiative on Cities Menino Fellow in partnership with the National League of Cities (NLC). Isabella is a junior at Boston University studying Political Science with minors in Public Policy Analysis and Urban Studies. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, she is passionate about creating […]
Working with the City of Boston Planning Advisory Council (PAC) team this past summer was an incredible and transformative experience. I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with the Planners and experts across other departments at City Hall, learning from their expertise on Boston’s neighborhoods and needs. This summer was a particularly exciting time to join the PAC […]
To me, communication is one of those things that’s so prevalent in our day-to-day lives that we forget just how important it is. We want to know what’s going on in the world around us, but there can often be a disconnect between those who have that information and those who want it. When we’re […]
This past summer, I had the privilege of serving as a Racial Justice fellow with the City of Boston’s Equity and Inclusion Cabinet. My interest in this internship stemmed from some of my past experiences working in City Hall and with a variety of elected officials in Massachusetts, as my most interesting and fulfilling work […]
