Think globally and act locally.

SMU’s first nine Tower Scholars strive to put these words into action. And after Oct. 14, ten new students will be encouraged to do the same.

Applications to become a Tower Scholar are due Wednesday, Oct. 14, and according to Dr. Victoria Farrar-Myers, Senior Fellow and Director of Tower Scholars Program, all majors are welcome.

As Tower Scholars, students pursue the Minor in Public Policy and International Affairs exclusive to the year-old program. Scholar applicants are required to have a minimum 3.3 GPA as well as economic and quantitative pre-requisite courses.

The minor combines strong academic training in policy analysis with practical experience. The goal is to bridge the gaps between student’s ideas, scholarship and teaching, and the practice of politics.

Courses within the minor – such as “Gateway to Global Policy Making” and “Principles of Public Policy” – are intended to combine critical thinking and analytical skills within a rigorous academic framework. Policy practitioners are brought into the classroom so students may learn firsthand the research design project to law process.

“Where else do students have the ability to network one-on-one with policy makers and in ambassadors’ houses?” said Dr. Farrar-Myers.

For more information, visit the Tower Scholars website.