Navigating Uncertainty: Resources and Hope for the SIS Community
Political change has swept through our nation鈥檚 capital with unprecedented force. For our School of International Service (SIS) community 鈥 those who have dedicated themselves to learning or working on bridging divides, championing equity, and serving globally 鈥 the first few weeks of the new administration have brought stark challenges. Hiring freezes, mass layoffs, dismantling of diversity initiatives, among others have not only interrupted futures but challenge the very core of our collective mission.
To those who face uncertain or unexpected horizons, your commitment to international service remains undiminished. We are merely facing temporary obstacles in a journey marked by resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to creating meaningful change.
Our strength has always been our community 鈥 a network of passionate professionals who understand that service transcends momentary political shifts. We've compiled resources, opportunities, and pathways forward to support you during this critical transition, whether that means exploring graduate studies, finding alternative career routes, or sustaining your commitment to global understanding in new and innovative ways.
For Those Seeking Help
The path forward begins with support. "Right now, our priority is ensuring that no student or recent graduate feels alone in this challenging moment," says Sara Jones, director of career development. "We've mobilized every resource to provide both immediate assistance and long-term strategic support."
The SIS Office of Career Development is creating a comprehensive list of alumni and students who have been directly impacted by these directives who would like support by way of job opportunities or personalized support. If you鈥檝e been affected, please email us with your name, graduation year, company, and job status. One of our team members will be able to share a list of open jobs from members of our community who quickly answered the call and are hiring or know of opportunities. You can also browse a from eager-to-help individuals across the globe (sourced from LinkedIn members).
Additionally, the career team also offers daily drop-in career advising sessions 鈥 both in-person and online 鈥 as a lifeline for those navigating unexpected career challenges or clarity.听You can also check the for daily job opportunity posts or our website for a suite of events like the 鈥 (Thursday, February 6, 3-4 p.m.) or the virtual panel (Tuesday, February 25, 3-4 p.m.) that provide insight and hope for those seeking alternative career paths. They will continue to provide updates on an ongoing basis on their website.
Financial support is also critical during this time. Your academic advisor is standing by to work with those affected to understand your full enrollment options and ways you can continue your degree with minimal disruption. The stands ready to assist students experiencing immediate hardship, while the Van Kirk Book Fund helps alleviate additional financial pressures by assisting with the costs of books for class. For those considering continued education, federal loans remain available for Spring 2025, with financial aid advisors prepared to explore additional funding options like the Grad PLUS loan.
A was started by SIS professor Nina Yamanis to provide monetary aid to SIS alumni who have been affected by these changes. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis until they run out.
For Those Who Want to Help
The SIS community has always been defined by its commitment to supporting one another. "This is a moment that calls on our alumni and supporters to demonstrate the true meaning of community," notes Josephine Tayal, assistant dean of development and alumni relations.
Alumni, families, and supporters can make a meaningful difference through various means:
- for talented professionals unexpectedly seeking new roles within your own organization or at others.
- that provide:
- Emergency financial assistance
- Scholarships for students pursuing international service
- Funding for transformative experiences like study abroad and internships
- Research and innovation support that continues critical global conversations
- Consider donating to the started by SIS professor Nina Yamanis to provide monetary aid to SIS alumni who have been affected by these changes.
Every contribution, whether a job lead or financial support, helps sustain the mission of international service during these challenging times. To make a gift or learn more about the kind of impact you can have, please contact sisadvancement@american.edu.
Other Paths Forward
For those seeking alternative routes, graduate school emerges as a powerful option. "We've designed our professional graduate programs with flexibility and purpose," explains Jia Jiang, senior director of graduate admissions. "This is an opportunity to deepen your expertise, pick up new tools, pivot your career, and emerge even stronger."
The School of International Service offers flexible graduate degree options, including:
- Part-time to full-time study paths
- Customizable degree tracks aligned with individual passions
- Tuition savings of 30 percent for 麻豆视频作品undergraduate alumni looking to pursue a master鈥檚 degree via a Double Eagle Graduate Scholarship
For employees affected by the current federal hiring changes, our admissions team is extending the application deadline for those considering pursuing a graduate degree for fall 2025. We are also able to offer an application fee waiver for fall 2025 and dedicated Zoom sessions unpacking career-focused degree options. If you鈥檙e interested in either of these options, please email us to learn more.
The current political landscape may present challenges, but it cannot diminish the passion and commitment of those dedicated to international service. Each obstacle is an opportunity for growth, resilience, and innovative thinking.
鈥淭he work of the SIS community is most important when there鈥檚 turbulence in the world,鈥 says Simon Nicholson, associate dean for research. 鈥淣ow, more than ever, we need motivated, globally minded people coming together to advance the SIS mission of 鈥榳aging peace.鈥欌