Baruch Student Allyson Poyker Wins a Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship

April 30, 2026

For Baruch College student Allyson Poyker (’28), the distinction of being named a Jeannette K. Watson Fellow is more than an academic achievement—it reflects a deeply rooted commitment to growth, curiosity, and community engagement.

Inspired by her grandmother’s life of exploration through global travel, artistic pursuits, and meaningful cross-cultural connections, Poyker has embraced a similar philosophy of stepping beyond her comfort zone. This mindset has shaped her college pursuits, which include delivering a self written 19-minute TED Talk on the subject of “The Phenomenon of Children of Immigrants Forgetting Their Parent’s Native Language” through TEDxCUNY, co-founding Baruch’s chapter of the Street Homeless Advocacy Project and contributing legal scholarship through the Baruch Undergraduate Law Review.

Collectively, these experiences demonstrate Poyker’s sustained commitment to civic engagement and intercultural dialogue—principles central to the Watson Foundation’s mission.

“I see the Fellowship as a resource to further my need for personal and professional growth by putting myself in unexpected and unlikely situations, knowing that experiencing discomfort is an assured way for promoting unbridled growth,” Poyker said.

A Provost Honors Scholar majoring in finance at Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business with a law and policy minor, Poyker said she was overwhelmed learning of her acceptance.

“I was at my real estate law firm internship, sitting in front of my boss, when an email from the Watson Foundation appeared in my inbox,” Poyker recalled. “I opened the message expecting a rejection. Instead, I saw a congratulatory message and started crying tears of joy.”

Career Interests: Policy, Law, and Social Impact

The Watson Fellowship supports 15 undergraduates from New York City institutions with three consecutive paid summer internships, along with mentorship, professional development, and stipends for travel and projects.

Designed to provide hands-on, community-focused experiences, the fellowship directly aligns with Poyker’s interests. She is “absolutely thrilled” about potential internships this summer with organizations such as Broadway Housing Communities, the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity, or the Office of the Public Advocate, where she would take on roles focused on community organizing, policy, and program evaluation.

“All three organizations prioritize uplifting marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities,” Poyker says. “These opportunities would help me learn more about public policy, how economics can be applied to address housing affordability, and how to promote civic engagement by raising awareness of these issues.”

Looking ahead to her international internship, Poyker is drawn to working with the Justice Centre Hong Kong or La Asociación CREAR in Costa Rica, two nonprofits dedicated to supporting underserved populations through legal advocacy and education.

She believes these experiences will play a significant role in shaping her career path.

“I am interested in becoming a civil rights and housing policy advisor, a housing attorney representing low-income tenants, or an advocacy coordinator for the Coalition for the Homeless,” Poyker said. “The Watson Fellowship is an invaluable resource that will help me explore interests in policy, law, finance, housing, and education.”

Advising Support for Student Awards

Baruch College’s Office of National & Prestigious Fellowships Advising helps guide students through the steps of applying for any scholarship and award that supports their academic studies.

Besides the Watson Fellowship, the Office assists students with opportunities including Fulbright awards, Gilman International Scholarships, CBYX Fellowship, Freeman-ASIA scholarship, Schwarzman Scholarships, and more.