Batten Graduate Council Pilot Awards

This award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional analytical and research skills, producing insightful and data-driven policy analyses that have had a significant impact on public policy. They have utilized their expertise to provide insightful, nuanced, and evidence-based recommendations to policymakers, stakeholders, and the broader public. They have contributed to advancing public policy discussions in a meaningful way, shaping the direction of policy discussions and decisions.

This award recognizes a graduate student who has shown exceptional leadership in advocating for the inclusion of underrepresented groups in policy discussions and decision-making processes. The student has worked tirelessly to promote the voices and perspectives of marginalized communities, in which the student’s advocacy has helped eliminate barriers in public policy. The student has collaborated with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the voices of all communities are heard, and their work has helped build more inclusive and representative policies.

This award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, displaying a commitment to excellence and a capacity for inspiring and motivating others. They have shown themselves to be a natural leader, able to inspire others to work towards a common goal and to achieve outstanding results. They have demonstrated strong communication skills, the ability to make tough decisions, and a commitment to ethical and transparent leadership. Their leadership has made a lasting impact on the Batten School community and beyond.

This award recognizes a graduate student who has shown exceptional dedication to community outreach and service, going above and beyond in their efforts to improve the lives of others. They have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, volunteering their time and expertise to a wide range of organizations and causes. Their service has made a significant difference in the lives of those they have served, and they have inspired others to get involved and make a positive impact in their communities.

This award recognizes a graduate student who has made a transformative and tangible impact in the Batten School or the greater University of Virginia. This student was dedicated to challenging the community’s barriers with innovative solutions that engaged the community. The student drove lasting-change and inspired others to think about how they could exercise leadership at the Batten School. The student’s impact has been significant and enduring, leaving the Batten School better than when they started.