Two Xavier University of Louisiana students, as prime examples of the institution’s near 100 years of excellence, were recently accepted into the accepted into the Public Policy & International Affairs Program (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute (JSI). Juniors Jamya Davis and Kadence Means were selected as fellows from a pool of 1300 competitive applicants to attend the six-week rigorous summer program at one of six host campuses. The foundation of the PPIA Fellowship, the JSI experience builds knowledge in economics, statistics, domestic & international policy studies, and leadership topics. The program prepares students for advanced schooling and careers in public service in both domestic and global affairs. Embodiments of the Xavier mission to promote a more just and humane society, both Means and Davis were selected for the fellowship for their merit as well as their “previous, current, and stated dedication to public service.” 

“I am so excited to have been chosen because of the possibilities!” shared Means, who is a political science major with a minor in history. “I look forward to meeting like-minded people and getting to travel somewhere new, all while learning about the career field I am pursuing.”  

Means, who dreams of being a United States diplomat one day, is a passionate advocate for women’s rights on both a domestic and international level. After she graduates from Xavier in 2025, she intends to attend and complete graduate school. Means looks forward to the opportunity to network with others who share her dedication while also receiving advice as an applicant for graduate studies. Means will be attending the session held at the Goldman School at the University of California, Berkeley. 

Davis, on the other hand, will attend the session at Harvard Kennedy School, and credits a policy analyst from her home city of Orlando, Florida, with informing her about the prestigious program.  

“Ms. Tachana Marc is a Black woman like me, and she made sure to pass along the same opportunities she was given, which helped transform my college career,” said Davis, who is studying political science and boasts a double minor in history and public health. “She inspired me, and thus, PPIA has been my goal since my sophomore year!” 

Davis was featured previously by Xavier as one of the four Xavierites in the Exponential Honors program who took the first-place prize during the collegiate finals of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Invent2Prevent Competition last year. 

“To have achieved this accomplishment as I approach my senior year at XULA feels like nothing less than a blessing from God, and I am truly honored and humbled by this opportunity,” shared Davis. 

Both Davis and Means will receive a stipend to assist with summer travel, food, and other expenses to facilitate their participation in the JSI. 

Read the original PPIA Fellowship announcement here.