Give to SMPA
Our first president, George Washington, envisioned a university that would prepare leaders for the nation. In the heart of GW’s Columbian College of Arts & Sciences is the School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA): a trailblazer in the theory and practice of political communication, journalism and media for nearly 30 years.
Making Headlines & History
Our formula for success is simple, yet sound. We engage students through a rigorous curriculum and programming to facilitate their intellectual advancement. We explore theories and solution-based practices in the areas of journalism, media, and politics. And, we empower our students, faculty, alumni, and community by fostering an entrepreneurial setting that encourages the exchange of ideas to create change in our world.
Ways to Give Back
The School of Media and Public Affairs is committed to educating the next generation of communicators by providing our students with opportunities for success in the classroom and beyond. Donors provide our students and faculty with the resources and experience they need to excel.
You can make your gift to SMPA in a number of ways:
By mailing your check, made out to The George Washington University and with SMPA in the memo line, to:
The George Washington University
PO Box 98131
Washington, DC 20090-8131
or by phone, calling the GW Annual Fund at 1-800-789-2611.
To learn more about ways you can give back to SMPA, please contact Brendon Smith at brendonsmith
gwu [dot] edu (brendonsmith[at]gwu[dot]edu) or consider giving to one of SMPA's initiatives.
Support Our Engagement
Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication
IPDGC is a leader in research, practice, training and innovative thinking in the areas of global communication and public diplomacy. The Institute engages in a variety of activities, including events, research and workshops. It also hosts scholars and leading government figures, including several Under Secretaries of State. IPDGC is jointly administered by SMPA and GW's Elliott School of International Affairs.
Planet Forward
Planet Forward is where experts and engaged citizens come together to find solutions to our shared challenges, specifically in the areas of energy, climate, and sustainability. SMPA's own Frank Sesno formed Planet Forward in 2009 to empower new voices and lead a global conversation on the planet’s future. Planet Forward curates the best ideas and innovations from scientists, business leaders, advocates, students, and government leaders.
The Project for Media and National Security
The Project for Media and National Security brings journalists together with senior American defense and national security officials and experts. Over 50 news organizations are members of the Defense Writers Group, which the Project convenes with leaders in the field to deepen Americans' understanding of national security issues. The journalists’ forum includes newspapers, online outlets, international news wire services, magazines, and trade publications.
The Ted Turner Endowment
Named in honor of a pioneer in global media and journalism, the Ted Turner Endowment highlights the importance of compelling fact-based storytelling through an endowed professorship at the George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. The fund aims to teach and inspire young people, increase public understanding, create a permanent public presence highlighting Ted’s legacy, invest in journalism and benefit students for generations to come.
Help Us Explore
Institute for Data Democracy and Politics
Trolls, bots — bits of computer code designed to augment social media activities — have emerged as disruptive elements in foreign and domestic politics. Through a robust team of faculty researchers, we are studying and responding to the disinformation problem. IDDP’s mission is to help the public, journalists, and policymakers understand digital media’s influence on public dialogue and opinion, and to develop sound solutions to disinformation and other ills that arise in these spaces.
The Media and Peace Building Project
The Media and Peace Building Project works towards a better understanding of how new information and communication technologies (ICT) drive political violence and polarization and disseminates information and tools for peace-builders on best practices in the new information environment. The Project's three initial initiatives focus on mobile phones, political violence and peace building in conflict-fragile states; reconciliation in the United States; and peace journalism.
Project on Ethics in Political Communication
The Project on Ethics in Political Communication encourages students, academics, and practitioners to consider questions of ethical obligation. The Project draws scholars, students, and political communication professionals to examine and improve the ethics of our political communication by: publicly engaging the question of ethical responsibilities for those who work in political communication; identifying ways to put ethical communication principles into practice; encouraging political professionals to adopt these practices; and providing political communication students with an ethical foundation for their professional work.
Manheim-Sterling Undergraduate Research Fund
Two SMPA students, one political communication major and one journalism and mass communication major, receive the Manheim-Sterling Undergraduate Research prize each year. The awards allow students to collaborate with a faculty member, travel for research or reporting projects, or attend events to present a paper or project. This fund honors two legendary SMPA faculty members, Jarol Manheim, who led the creation of the political communication major at GW, and Chris Sterling, who brought media history to life with his booming voice and deep research on radio.
Empower Our Students
SMPA Career Access Network (CAN)
Enhances the value of an SMPA education by supporting experiential learning, enhancing professional connections and creating community among current students and alumni. SMPA CAN has three components: an internship fund, mentoring program and networking events. The internship fund provides stipends to underwrite the cost of otherwise unpaid, or underpaid, internships thereby allowing SMPA students of all means to gain meaningful experience and develop their skills. SMPA provides students the chance to be paired with an accomplished professional to provide tangible advice and comradery as they plan for a career. Lastly, CAN provides networking opportunities in the form of exclusive events, brown-bag lunches and other engagement opportunities where current students and alumni can network and exchange ideas fostering the GW spirit.
J. Michael Shanahan Journalism Internship Fund
The Shanahan Fund allows students majoring or minoring in journalism to take an internship they may not otherwise be able to afford in the summer after junior year. The experiential learning and networking opportunities from hands-on work with professionals in the field are invaluable for aspiring journalists. The Fund honors the late Professor J. Michael Shanahan (1943–2014), by supporting an area that Professor Shanahan deeply cared about—student internships.
SMPA Student Support Fund
Student aid helps reduce the loan burdens of GW graduates so the cost of their education will not limit their ability to make their mark on the world, no matter their area of study or professional path. More than 42% of GW students benefit from student aid in the form of merit or need based scholarships to help them pursue their goals.
Cokie Roberts Tuition Relief Fund
This fund is earmarked for undergraduate (majors and minors) and graduate SMPA students who demonstrate financial need for tuition expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of the scholarships will vary, but the goal is to help as many students as possible. The Fund has been made possible thanks to the vision and the generosity of J.B. and M.C. Shapiro Professor of Media and Public Affairs Steven V. Roberts in honor of his late wife, Cokie.
Director’s Catalyst Fund
Emerging and urgent opportunities present themselves every day, and through the Director’s Catalyst Fund, SMPA remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, groundbreaking studies, and strategic partnerships. The fund provides the Director with the flexibility to make surgical and strategic investments to foster the development of SMPA, support faculty and staff, and provide seed funding for initiatives that support the school’s mission.