EMU Today

YPSILANTI - Kristeana Banks, a junior majoring in political science, has been chosen for the 2022 Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute at the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

A 7-week, graduate-level preparation program for students committed to public service careers, the PPIA Junior Summer Institute (JSI) was established to address the lack of diversity in professional public service. JSI fellowships are designed to prepare students for graduate studies in fields including public policy, public administration and international affairs.

Banks, a member of EMU’s Honors College, says her interest in public service goes back to middle school.

“In sixth grade I did mock trial with Detroit Public Schools, and became interested in politics, public policy and law through that program,” she says.

Her selection for the JSI is the most recent in a long line of opportunities she’s taken advantage of throughout her academic career. A graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit, she participated in the Cranbrook Horizons Upward Bound program, and was an International Baccalaureate and AP student. She also established a chapter of Junior States of America, a civics education program that fosters leadership skills and provides the tools to be effective debaters and civic participants.   

PPIA’s 2022 institutes will be held on six campuses, and Banks says the U of M program was her first choice. Not surprisingly, the woman who won best prosecuting attorney in sixth-grade mock trial is interested in pursuing law.

“Law is the ultimate goal,” Banks says. “I’d like to focus on civil law, and work as a civil rights attorney.”

Until then, Banks is happy at EMU, and appreciates the opportunities the University, and the honors college, offer.

“Eastern gives you the environment to be successful,” she says. “Coming to Eastern is one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.