Future of Public Safety Scholars

A diverse group of students sitting in a circle, studying and talking around a low table

Ready to reimagine what public safety looks like? The Future of Public Safety (FPS) Scholars Program has been connecting driven undergrads with the tools, people, and real-world experience to reshape safety policy and build more just communities.

Join a cohort of peers who are passionate about justice, gain an inside understanding of criminal legal system transformation, and build the professional skills and network to support your future career goals.

 

APPLY HERE

Program Requirements

  • 60-100 credit hours prior to Fall 2026
  • Minimum GPA: 3.5
  • Attendance at weekly seminars during the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters
  • Participate in a Spring 2027 internship (6-8 hours per week)
  • Participate in an immersive Summer 2027 practice internship (30 hours per week)
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Future of Public Safety Initiative
Learn more about John Jay College's Future of Public Safety Initiative.
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A year in the program (Fall 2026 – Summer 2027) looks like:

  • Weekly seminars in the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters that educate Scholars on cutting edge innovations in public safety practices, policies, and research.
  • Two paid internships at John Jay research centers, public safety government agencies (e.g., NYPD, DOC, Probation), and/or community-based public safety non-profits (6-8 hours/week in Spring 2027 for $1,600; 30 hours/week in Summer 2027 for $10,000)
  • Invitations to attend/participate in Future of Public Safety Initiative programs
  • Mentorship from professors and Future of Public Safety Initiative leaders and engagement with a community of peers that share interests in community justice and safety

 

APPLY HERE

Dr. Preeti Chauhan, Department of Psychology

Erica Bond, Vice President of Justice Initiatives

Dr. Rebecca Atkinson, Director of Programs and Partnerships, Future of Public Safety Initiative

Five students joined our inaugural cohort. Learn more about the 2024 Cohort here.

Scholars attend a weekly seminar during the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters as well as:

  • Attend at least three (3) public safety webinars, talks, and/or panel discussions
  • Attend at least two (2) Future of Public Safety Initiative events

During their internships, Scholars will be expected to commit 6-8 hours per week at their Spring 2027 placement and 30 hours per week at their Summer 2027 placement.

Scholars will receive a partial stipend for the Spring 2027 semester and a full stipend for the Summer 2027 semester.

The Future of Public Safety Scholars Program is made possible through the generous support of 

The Aronson Family Foundation

MacArthur Safety and Justice Challenge

The Tow Foundation

For questions about the Scholars Program or to learn more about the Future of Public Safety Initiative, please contact Rebecca Atkinson at ratkinson@jjay.cuny.edu.