Being an agent of change is challenging, especially during an age of rapidly evolving communication practices. That is why we invite you to apply for the 8th World Bank-Annenberg Summer Institute on communicating for reform at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. The Summer Institute takes place in June and participants can enroll in a five-day core program (June 3-7, 2019) or the extended two-week course (June 3-15, 2019). 

Designed for senior executives, strategists, and communication specialists tasked with leading and implementing reform initiatives in developing countries, the program aims to develop effective strategic communication skills, foster a global network of development and reform professionals, and equip attendees with tools and tactics to build leadership capacity and effective change.

Early bird discount offered for the two-week program! Apply and pay by March 1, 2019 to receive $750 off the program fee (Corporate: $7,000; Non-Profit: $5,250).

How To Apply?

Visit exed.annenberg.usc.edu/SummerInstitute and fill out the 2019 application form. A Selection Committee will review all applications and inform those who are accepted via email, prompting accepted participants to register for the course. Space is limited.

Registration includes daily instruction, breakfast, lunch and snacks, and a site visit to a leading public affairs, media or advertising firm. The fee does not include airfare, lodging or other living expenses. 

Who should apply?

The course is intended for professionals working on reform initiatives around the world, including: strategists, government advisors, senior development practitioners, communication professionals, social entrepreneurs and executives.

Successful applicants possess:

• A minimum of 10 to 15 years of professional experience with a focus on multi-stakeholder engagement
• A master’s degree or equivalent in communication, public affairs, political science, international relations, economics, or related fields
• Fluency in spoken and written English

Previous attendees came from public, private, and non-profit sectors.  

What does the program cover?

This program identifies core aspects of a fast-paced, constantly connected communication-centered world, teaching the most recent advances in stakeholder engagement and strategic communication. Through experiential learning, case studies, peer exchange, and lecture discussions, participants learn a number of benefits and skills to build coalitions for change, implement reform, mobilize public support, and navigate the political environment in a digital age.

The course is taught by leading experts from the World Bank Group; the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California; and the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Summer Institute is held at the University of Southern California campus in Los Angeles. The city serves as a global epicenter for media and communications. Here, participants get an insider’s view of social marketing, technology, and entertainment as vehicles for policy change and implementation.

Key program benefits:

• Interpreting and using political analysis
• Crafting multi-stakeholder collaboration and network building strategies to support reform
• Developing strategic communication skills that lead to development results
• Leveraging social/digital media tools and analytics effectively
• Building communication metrics to measure reform
• Connecting with a global network of development professionals working on initiatives in the public, private and non-profit sectors

Want more information? Click here to view the flyer.