Calvin Senior Wins Public Service Scholarship
Johannah Jelks, a Calvin College senior studying business communications, has been accepted by The Michigan Political Leadership Program, a 10-month public policy and leadership program for citizens interested in public office.
Out of approximately 100 applicants, the 24 selected candidates will learn to serve their communities in public office at the city, county and state levels. Jelks is the only candidate accepted from Grand Rapids, MI. She won a scholarship to the program, funded by Michigan State University (MSU), valued at $12,000. The program, which runs one weekend per month for 10 months, takes place at various locations across Michigan. It consists of discussions and seminars presenting the many major responsibilities, challenges and issues faced by those in public office.
Linda Cleary, the program administrator at the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR), explained that the program has been running for 17 years.
By studying business communications at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, Jelks aims to acquire the skills necessary to make a political impact on her community. "I think communication is key," she said. "I think a lot of our current issues in the country are because we are divided and not communicating."
Jelks said that growing up in a politically-conscious home sparked her interest in public policy. "It’s definitely a family thing," she said. Jelks' father, Randal Maurice Jelks, formerly served as an associate professor of history and director of the African and African Diaspora studies program during his time at Calvin.
"My brother is also very involved in the community," said Jelks, who volunteers regularly in a local neighborhood and plans to continue serving the community through public relations—specifically for political campaigns. She also wants to start her own business and non-profit organizations.
"I would like to do some philanthropy," she added. "I'm heavy on philanthropy… I’m really excited to be involved, to know what I’m voting for and why the structures are the way they are."
