Each summer LBJ School students gain real-world experience through internships all over the globe. The LBJ School makes grants to support students undertaking summer internships for non-profit, non-governmental or governmental organizations that conduct development projects in the developing world. The grants, awarded in amounts up to $5,000, are funded by the Eleanor Crook Foundation through the William H. Crook Program in International Affairs. William Crook was a pioneer in global development and the Crook Fellowships honor his impact in the fight on poverty.
Crook Fellow: Cassie Davis, dual degree in Public Affairs and public health
Location: Washington, DC
The Organization: Bread for the World Institute
The Mission: To develop a report on the 2018 Farm Bill in relation to the UN Goals to end hunger
In Her Words: "Bread for the World's lobby day was a great example on how to mobilize and unify people from different backgrounds and faiths to join together on the mission to end hunger."
Read more from Davis in The Baines Report (Piece originally published through the Robert Strauss Center)
Crook Fellow: Michael Deegan, dual degree in Global Policy Studies and Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian Studies
Location: Washington, DC
The Organization: Office of the Coordinator of Assistance to Europe and Eurasia, U.S. State Department
The Mission: To help steward ongoing development projects in Eastern and Central Europe and Eurasia
In His Words: "I'm grateful to be able to take advantage of this opportunity and work at the DoS [Department of State] this summer, and I am looking forward to having this experience before starting my post-LBJ job search."
Read more from Deegan in The Baines Report (Piece originally published through the Robert Strauss Center)
Crook Fellow: Ghida Ismail, Global Policy Studies
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
The Organization: Evidence for Policy Design Program, Harvard Kennedy School
The Mission: To assist on the research project, "Expanding Female Access to the Job Market through Affordable Commute"
In Her Words: "I am very thrilled to be working on this project, as it will hopefully advance women's economic and social role in Saudi as well as lead to their empowerment."
Read more from Ismail in The Baines Report (Piece originally published through the Robert Strauss Center)
Crook Fellow: Jessi Stafford, Global Policy Studies
Location: La Paz Centro, Nicaragua
The Organization: Artists for Soup
The Mission: To develop organic gardens to supplement diets and provide food security to families
In Her Words: "Development is a process. Implementing real change takes time. I’m learning to be patient in all things and learning the best way to help is to support organizations working with the community."
Read more from Stafford in The Baines Report (Piece originally published through the Robert Strauss Center)
Crook Fellow: Dane Ulik, Global Policy Studies with a focus on economic and social development
Location: La Paz Centro, Nicaragua
The Organization: Artists for Soup
The Mission: To perform research and data analysis on food security and educational retention
In His Words: "The most fulfilling part of my job is communicating and interacting with the local people as I attempt to relieve their struggle to find and consume healthy and nutritious food."
Read more from Ulik in The Baines Report (Piece originally published through the Robert Strauss Center)
Crook Fellow: Amara Uyanna, Global Policy Studies with a specialization in the economics of development
Location: Niger Delta, Nigeria
The Organization: Sustainability International
The Mission: To coordinate bioremediation efforts in the Niger Delta region
In Her Words: "For the restoration of the region to be successful, accountability must be non-negotiable — it will demand that we make our obligations to our fellow men central to our actions."
Read more from Uyanna in The Baines Report (Piece originally published through the Robert Strauss Center)
Crook Fellow: Katherine Whitton, Global Policy Studies
Location: Kampala, Uganda
The Organization: Economic Policy Research Centre
The Mission: To conduct feasibility assessment, production of geocoded data, geocoding and GIS training and research plan development
In Her Words: "It is time to experience Kampala and Uganda for what it is — Kampala, Uganda — and my time here for what it is: an important point in my degree and career path. A new chapter is beginning and I look forward to writing the next page."
Read more from Whitton in The Baines Report (Piece originally published through the Robert Strauss Center)
Crook Fellow: Samer Yousif, Global Policy Studies (DC Concentration)
Location: Washington, DC
The Organization: Ashoka
The Mission: To evaluate the impact of entrepreneurs'’ missions to address development
In His Words: "As an Impact Evaluation Apprentice at Ashoka, I've been astounded by the scope, energy, collaboration and innovation of social entrepreneurs across the world."
Read more from Yousif in The Baines Report (Piece originally published through the Robert Strauss Center)
For more on LBJ School fellowship opportunities, visit our Fellowships page.