Two Elliott School programs received prestigious awards from the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), a global network comprising 40 leading schools of international affairs. The Generations Dialogue Project (GDP) won the 2024 APSIA Inclusion Award for Community Building, while the Data Literacy Initiative (DAPP) received the Innovation Award for Professional Development Programming.
Notably, the Elliott School was the only school to win multiple accolades.
The Generations Dialogue Project aims to increase diversity in the foreign policy field by connecting young people with giants who blazed a trail in international affairs. Peer-led intergenerational dialogues address anxieties that may prevent younger generations from pursuing these careers, with candid sharing of experiences and life lessons beyond career achievements.
Jennifer Brinkerhoff, professor of public administration and international affairs at George Washington University who leads the Generations Dialogue Project, reflected, “It has been such an honor to engage with so many amazing students and giants of international affairs who shared so generously and personally to support the next generation. I am deeply gratified that APSIA recognizes the importance of this type of engagement.”
GW’s Data Literacy Initiative also earned top honors from APSIA for equipping current and future policymakers with cutting-edge data analytics skills. The innovative program bridges the gap between data science and traditional policy analysis to revolutionize policymaking in today’s information-rich world. Data Analytics for Policy Professionals (DAPP) is a program for professionals of all ages and career stages. Its curriculum was developed in consultation with federal agencies including the U.S. Department of State, the Department of Labor, the Foreign Service Institute, and the National Security Council, as well as think tanks and industry leaders such as fp21 and GDIT. The ability to bridge data skills with job-specific knowledge is increasingly in demand across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Laila Sorurbakhsh, assistant dean of academic programs, assistant professor of international affairs and director of online education who co-directed the initiative, said, ”I am thrilled that the Data Analytics for Policy Professionals program has been honored with APSIA’s 2024 Innovation Award! I am immensely proud of the collaborative efforts of my co-director, Emmanuel Teitelbaum, Chris Markiewicz, assistant director of academic programs, our exceptional students, and our dedicated instructors. Together, they embody a spirit of innovation and excellence here at GW.”