Baruch College Alumna Chosen for Premier Training Program in NYC government

October 27, 2021

Baruch College alumna Deana K. Yu (’21) is among only 25 people chosen from across the country to join the 2021-22 Urban Fellows Program–a highly selective, nine-month fellowship that pairs participants with NYC agencies to learn public policy through a hands-on approach. The comprehensive program is designed to introduce a diverse group of America’s finest college students and graduates to local government and public service.

“I’m optimistic for this opportunity and cannot wait to grow alongside the other Fellows! Even though I worked really hard on my application and prepared for the interview with Professor Michael Feller, Valerie Hymas at the Office of National and Prestigious Fellowships Advising, and Baruch alum Hermanhoschy Bernard, an Urban Fellow in 2019-20, I was surprised to win this opportunity,” says Yu, who received a BS in Public Affairs from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs and double minored in sociology and graphic arts.

Through the Urban Fellows Program, Yu is currently working with the NYC Department of Transportation. She feels the education at Baruch provided her with the skills and real-world applications that would be of value to a city agency and help make change for New Yorkers.

“By becoming a New York City Urban Fellow, I hope to employ both my artistic and analytic abilities at my agency placement,” Yu explains. “It is my mission to utilize graphic design for the social good: to make government services and systems more accessible.”

The City University of New York sponsors the Urban Fellows Program, which is administered by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. The Program is considered the “premier training program” in government because it is a unique opportunity to work with current decision makers and assist in the implementation of public policy. In addition to their employment within local government, the Fellows’ work experience is supplemented by the seminar series, a learning experience that connects Fellows to leaders in government, civic organizations, and businesses. Alumni are consistently found in leadership positions throughout government, as well as the private and non-profit sectors

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