Student Experience - Made For This

THE STUDENT
EXPERIENCE

PREPARING CHANGE MAKERS

Sanford ensures students don’t just study policy—they shape it.

The Student Experience

Financial Aid

Today’s students are tomorrow’s policymakers, advocates, and public servants. Their ability to drive meaningful change depends on access to world-class education, real-world experiences, and financial support that removes barriers to learning. To ensure that all students, regardless of financial background, have the opportunity to lead, Sanford must expand its investment in financial aid, experiential learning, and leadership development.

Sanford is committed to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to bridge divides, shape equitable policies, and drive positive change in communities worldwide.

Student Voices: From Teacher to Student - The Transition to Graduate School

Stephanie Pett was a 7th-grade math teacher before coming to Sanford for her Master of Public Policy degree.

Access to a Sanford education should not be limited by financial barriers. Increased financial aid funding will allow us to attract top talent and ensure that all students—regardless of financial background—can pursue careers in public service.

Graduate Fellowship – $300,000+
Reduce financial burdens for students pursuing public service careers, expanding access to impactful leadership pathways.

Undergraduate Scholarship – $100,000+
Support undergraduate students by making a Sanford education accessible to mission-driven learners from all backgrounds.

These featured gift opportunities are representative.
Learn more and explore the full range of ways to support Sanford.

The Student Experience

Experiential Learning

Sanford students learn by doing. From internships on Capitol Hill to global field research and policy labs, students gain practical experience that prepares them to lead with integrity and insight. Programs like the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy, Bass Connections, and Duke in DC provide hands-on experiences rooted in public purpose.

Military Mentors in a College Classroom

Sanford’s national security programs create a collaborative space where seasoned military professionals and students work together to tackle complex global challenges.

Support for experiential learning ensures every student can access these opportunities—funding stipends, enabling travel, and expanding programs that turn ideas into action.

Internships – $300,000+
Ensure students can pursue public service internships and fellowships without financial barriers.

Learning Innovation Fund – $100,000+
Support policy labs, applied research, and global learning opportunities that bring public policy to life.

These featured gift opportunities are representative.
Learn more and explore the full range of ways to support Sanford.

The Student Experience

Engagement

At Sanford, students don’t just study policy—they engage with it. Through research, civic action, and leadership development, they connect policy education to real-world impact. Programs like the Patman Political Engagement Project and POLIS: Center for Politics create pathways for dialogue, advocacy, and civic leadership.

Student Voices: Pathways Trip to DC is Transformative

The Sanford School Pathways program immerses students in the dynamic world of public policy in a group trip to Washington, DC.

As interest in public service grows, investing in student engagement will expand Sanford’s reach and cultivate a generation of ethical, courageous leaders.

Leadership Development Fund – $100,000+
Invest in programs that nurture ethical decision-making, collaboration, and a commitment to the public good.

Student Initiatives Fund – $100,000+
Support student-led civic projects and initiatives that strengthen democracy and drive change.

These featured gift opportunities are representative.
Learn more and explore the full range of ways to support Sanford.