This summer, three Master of Public Affairs students gained valuable hands-on experience in public service thanks to the James B. Huling MPA Experiential Learning Fund. Established by early public affairs graduate Jim Huling (Class of 1980), the fund supports students pursuing unpaid internships, helping to cover living expenses while they gain critical real-world experience.
These internships gave students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to complex challenges while exploring careers that align with their passions and values.
Erik Woolsey spent the summer as a Management Intern with the Village of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, a community where he hopes to one day launch his career. The experience gave him a behind-the-scenes look at municipal operations, including resident engagement, project research, and communications.
“My experience was instrumental in establishing connections and gaining insights into the daily operations of a local government,” Erik shared. “From assisting with village communications to engaging with residents, the Huling Fund gave me an exceptional opportunity to work in a truly unique environment.” The internship solidified his goal of becoming a city or village manager, equipping him with both the skills and confidence to move forward.
As a Systems & GIS Intern with the Community Transportation Committee, Yiru Wang focused on a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project, using her technical expertise to improve urban mobility and equitable access. She utilized GIS to map TOD opportunities in Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty. Her analysis will help guide future investments and support the city's vision for a fare-free bus system. “I’m deeply grateful for this funding,” Yiru said. “It gave me the freedom to explore work in a field I’m truly passionate about, to apply my skills in a meaningful way, and to strengthen my commitment to pursuing a career in public affairs.”
Her work not only advanced a cause she believes in, but it also reaffirmed her commitment to serving communities through data-informed public policy.
With rising tuition and reduced public funding, many students face basic needs insecurity. Seth Dickinson spent his summer interning at the Food Pantry at Iowa, a nonprofit launched in 2016 to address student hunger on campus. Seth’s contributions included creating an interactive GIS map of food pantry access points across Johnson and Linn Counties to help clients locate nearby food resources. He also conducted grant research to support specific organizational needs such as securing international food options for the university’s diverse student population.
“This internship allowed me to work in an area of policy I’m deeply passionate about,” he said. “It gave me the chance to apply public affairs knowledge in a way that directly benefits our university community.” Thanks to the Huling Fund, Seth was able to turn academic knowledge into tangible impact, working on projects that advance food equity for students.
By alleviating financial barriers, the James B. Huling MPA Experiential Learning Fund empowers students to pursue meaningful, mission-driven work, without compromising their financial security. For Erik, Yiru, and Seth, that support has been more than monetary; it’s been transformational. Their stories are a testament to the enduring impact of alumni giving as well as a reflection of Jim Huling’s belief in the power of hands-on learning to shape the next generation of public service leaders.