This year’s EDI intern writes about why fostering a sense of belonging for everyone at GPS, regardless of background, remains a crucial goal
Since 2020, UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) has offered an internship opportunity for students who are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion at the school. Each year, two fellows are accepted for the program, during which they act as a liaison between the student body and the school’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee and promote events that build community, create a culture of inclusion and foster a sense of belonging for all GPS students, regardless of background. Five years after the program’s inception, GPS’ commitment to these principles has only increased.
GPS News talked with Vincent Alulu, a Master of Public Policy ’26 candidate, about his experience serving in this role during the 2024–2025 academic year, as well as to speak more generally about what it’s like to be a student at GPS.
Where are you from, and what brought you to study at GPS?
I am from Kenya, and I chose GPS to develop analytical and policy skills so I can address global development challenges. I am pursuing a Master of Public Policy degree with a specialization in program design and evaluation, and I am also aiming to build econometrics skills to strengthen my quantitative research abilities. This combination will prepare me to design, implement and assess data-driven policy solutions, particularly in emerging economies like my home country.
How did you end up applying to be an EDI Intern?
When I learned about the EDI internship program, it immediately stood out as an opportunity to engage in meaningful equity, diversity and inclusion work while furthering my policy studies. My background in advocating for inclusive development in Kenya aligned with the mission and motivated me to apply. The program’s emphasis on leadership and social impact resonated with my goal of promoting equitable policies, which made it a perfect fit for my academic and professional journey.
What particular projects have you undertaken in this role?
My project is focused on improving access to equity, diversity and inclusion resources for students at GPS. I curated and organized key information on topics such as discrimination, harassment, affirmative action and student conduct, making them more accessible through the school’s EDI webpage. By helping students easily find and understand these resources, the project aims to empower them to navigate and resolve issues more effectively.
Why is equity, diversity and inclusion important?
These qualities are essential at GPS and beyond because they create a learning environment where all individuals feel valued, respected and supported. At GPS specifically, where students come from diverse backgrounds and study global policy issues, embracing EDI enriches academic dialogue, broadens perspectives and better prepares students to lead in an interconnected world. More broadly, EDI helps address systemic barriers, promotes fairness and fosters innovation by encouraging a wide range of voices and experiences.
Learn more about equity, diversity and inclusion at GPS here.