Baruch College Student Awarded New York City Urban Fellowship

May 2, 2018

Erika Smithson (’18), a student of the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, was named a 2019 New York City Urban Fellow. Smithson is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs.

The Urban Fellows Program, which is sponsored by The City of New York, is a highly selective, nine-month fellowship which combines work in Mayoral offices and City agencies with volunteer service opportunities and a seminar series that explores urban issues impacting public policy. According to the program, the fellowship is “designed to introduce America’s finest college students and graduates to local government and public service” and participants are selected from all over the country.

Creating a Better City

Smithson has a keen interest in public policy, especially relating to New York City. She has served as an intern in the U.S. House of Representatives, the New York State Senate, and the New York City Council Legal Department.

Being named a 2019 New York City Urban Fellow provides Smithson with hands-on experience, the opportunity to work with current decision makers, and to learn from senior level officials and program alumni who share their progress on City initiatives.

“I’m most looking forward to working with an agency that will make a difference in people’s lives,” Smithson said. “A strong belief of mine is that the smallest of efforts can yield big changes. With this opportunity, I hope that my service will help create a better city.”

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