Clinton School of Public Service

Today is World Environment Day, and we are happy to share a story about Clinton School student Ray Little, who spent last summer working with the Bahamian nonprofit Cans 4 Kids to develop strategic solutions for local aluminum recycling.

Ray created a comprehensive 40-page master plan featuring community surveys and partner strategies to help the organization grow. We are proud to see our students designing real-world solutions both at home and abroad! 🌍📊

Ray Little Develops Strategic Solutions for Recycling in the Bahamas - Clinton School of Public Service Ray Little partnered with Cans 4 Kids, a nonprofit that raises funds for schools and youth organizations through recycling aluminum cans.

Clinton School students Emily Temple and Harry Ferguson are spending their summer completing their International Public Service Projects at the University for Peace in Geneva, Switzerland.

Congratulations to both of our students as they turn public service theory into tangible global progress!

From Little Rock to the national stage! 🇺🇸 Embodying the spirit of public service, Clinton School student Lauren Sermersheim recently wrapped up her term as a national Gen Z advisor for America’s 250th anniversary.

Through the Youth250 Bureau, Lauren consulted for major institutions like the National Archives and even published an op-ed in the Washington Post! She also helped bring those national insights back home to help Arkansas organizations design impactful youth programming for 2026. 🌟

Lauren Sermersheim Serves as National Gen Z Advisor for America’s 250th Anniversary - Clinton School of Public Service Lauren Sermersheim advised national organizations on how to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with youth programming.

Two of our own were honored in the 2026 Arkansas Press Women Professional Communications Contest!

Join us in celebrating their state-level awards:
🥇 Patrick Newton won First Place for his work on the Clinton School of Public Service's Impact Report, which will now advance to the national competition!
🥈 Angelita Faller and Newton won Second Place in the Newsletter category for their fantastic work keeping our global network connected through the Clinton School Alumni Newsletter.

A team of Clinton School students—Savannah Combs, Brittany Chue, Lucy Burgess, and Lydia Adusei—partnered with the Office of Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. to help shape the City of Little Rock, AR - Government's recently adopted Sustainability Action Plan.

By conducting city-wide neighborhood surveys, the team ensured the city’s environmental goals are deeply rooted in the actual priorities of local residents. Student Brittany Chue then took the work a step further for her Capstone project, analyzing national best practices to help the city track its progress and assessing the needs of local organizations.

We are so proud of these students for combining rigorous research with community feedback to help Little Rock! 💚📊

Clinton School Impact Minute: Little Rock Sustainability Action Plan - Clinton School of Public Service A Clinton School team's research served as a primary source for the City of Little Rock’s recently adopted Sustainability Action Plan.

Welcome to the Clinton School, Ayanna Norman! 🏛️✨

We are thrilled to welcome Ayanna Norman to the Clinton School of Public Service this fall! Ayanna is joining our Master of Public Service program following a truly "transformational" journey at the University of Mississippi.

During her time as an Ole Miss Rebel, Ayanna didn’t just study change—she led it. From serving in student leadership roles to launching wellness initiatives and conducting vital research on food insecurity, Ayanna has consistently stepped into rooms where decisions are made to advocate for those in need. She is coming to Little Rock to continue her work at the intersection of public health and policy.

⏳ Final Call! Today is the deadline to submit your Capstone and Practicum project proposals for the 2026-27 academic year.

If your organization or municipality is looking to innovate, research best practices, or scale your community programs, a partnership with the Clinton School of Public Service is the perfect catalyst. Our students bring an applied public service toolkit directly to your projects, helping you achieve measurable goals and lasting results.

🔗 Submit your Practicum proposal: https://clintonschool.uasys.edu/centers-initiatives/office-of-field-service/practicum-partnerships/

🔗 Submit your Capstone proposal: https://clintonschool.uasys.edu/centers-initiatives/office-of-field-service/capstone-partnerships/

Seven Clinton School students were awarded Standerfer Travel Grants this spring, enabling them to present original research, engage with global policy experts, and sharpen their professional skills.

Supported entirely by donations from our dedicated faculty, staff, and alumni, the Standerfer Travel Fund honors Professor Emeritus Christina Standerfer by ensuring graduate students can present their work at vital workshops and conferences.

This semester, our students championed public service solutions across the board—from researching Arkansas's outdoor recreation industry and maternal health outcomes in Nashville, to presenting youth voter turnout data in Arkansas, to interviewing global human flourishing experts at Harvard University.

We are incredibly proud of these scholars for translating rigorous field research into tangible, real-world conversations! 🏛️💼

Clinton School Students Bridge Research and Practice with Standerfer Travel Grants - Clinton School of Public Service The Clinton School announced that seven students have been awarded grants from the Standerfer Travel Reimbursement Fund during 2026.