Cedric James is named a Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholar

March 2008—Cedric James, a Public Administration major from Austin, is one of 15 students nationwide to be accepted into the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program in Washington, D.C., for Summer 2008.  James was chosen from a field of 300 applicants.

The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program brings talented college seniors and recent graduates to Washington, D.C., where they are placed in congressional offices and learn about health policy issues, with a focus on issues affecting racial and ethnic minority and underserved communities. Through the nine-week program (May 19-July 26, 2008), Scholars gain knowledge about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills. In addition to gaining experience in a congressional office, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits to augment their knowledge of health care issues, and write and present a health policy research memo that addresses a problem of concern to disadvantaged populations.

James hopes to be placed in a congressional office where he can work on legislation dealing with HIV/AIDS.  "I hope to work on legislation that can help a part of society that is often forgotten about or seen as outcast," James said.  "My brother passed away from AIDS when he was only 29 years old. I was only 8 years old at the time, but I became who I am as a result of witnessing his struggle before his untimely death.  I feel that I can honor him by doing research on policy initiatives that my representative can try to get passed into law."

After graduating from Texas State in 2009, James hopes to attend law school and to become a judge.  "This internship will allow me to see health policy from the legislative point of view, and it will strengthen my knowledge about the health field," he said, adding that legislative experience in healthcare will be valuable if he should decide to run for office one day.

James, who has a 3.64 GPA, has been the recipient of a number of honors at Texas State.  He has been selected for Golden Key International Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the National Dean’s List, and the James E. Webb Fellowship Program.

In summer 2007, James held an internship at the Smithsonian Institution’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.  He is a member of the National Forum for Black Administrators-Central Texas Chapter and the Japanese Language and Culture Club at Texas State. James, who says he is passionate about public service, has participated in a number of public service organizations, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Austin, AIDS Services of Austin, and Austin SafePlace.