Palak Shah, an Indian-American student at the Kennedy School who helped create an AIDS education program in India, and Saman Salim, a UMASS student involved in the Muslim community both on campus and in the community were among the approximately 40 diverse college and graduate students interested in public service who were accepted to be part of  The 2008 Commonwealth Seminar program.

The Seminar

The Commonwealth Seminar is an intensive training program focused on teaching diverse leaders how the Massachusetts Legislature really works.

Top state legislators, legislative staff, media members, and administration policymakers introduce student leaders to the Legislature and state government generally. By giving an insiders' view of the process, the goal is to encourage diverse leaders to become effective advocates and to pursue careers in public service.

The summer academy is sponsored by the Ansara Family Foundation. The  training occurs on four Friday mornings, from 9:30 am to 12 pm.and the graduation will take place on Friday, August 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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