Oct. 29, 2026
Community College of Aurora (CCA) student Stellan Knowles is taking his passion for public service to the national stage after being one of 49 applicants selected to attend the Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC) at the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As a political science student at CCA, it marks an exciting milestone for Knowles, representing CCA at the conference starting this week.
The conference brings together undergraduate students and educational leaders to cultivate academic excellence and expand opportunities in public policy. For Knowles, the opportunity represents a chance to explore how his academic interests and community-based experience can translate into a career addressing complex social issues.
I wanted to attend PPLC because, as I consider my path beyond undergraduate studies, I’m eager to explore how I can translate my academic knowledge into a meaningful career in public service,
said Knowles. With aspirations of one day holding public office, I hope PPLC will provide valuable insight into graduate programs that prepare students for the positions that call to us. I’m especially looking forward to engaging with professors and changemaking scholars from across the country, learning from their experiences, and gaining new perspectives on the possibilities ahead. This will also be my first visit to Harvard, so I’m excited to experience the campus firsthand.
Originally from Memphis, Knowles developed an interest in social equity and policy through a 2023 fellowship at CivicTN, a nonprofit civic engagement coalition in Tennessee. Since then, he has continued expanding his experience through policy-focused work in Colorado and nationally. He has collaborated with organizations like Young Invincibles, Youth Engaged 4 Change, and the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR) among others.
The relationships Knowles built with COLOR helped to make the opportunity at Harvard possible. Vanessa Martinez, COLOR’s vice president of policy, praised his ability to connect research, education and advocacy.
Stellan is a driven scholar and advocate whose commitment to public service is grounded in his lived experience and unique approach to tailored research and teaching that meets people where they are,
wrote Martinez in her letter of recommendation. Stellan has all the makings of a fine graduate student. I strongly urge you to consider him for the Public Policy Leadership Conference.
As Knowles prepares to participate in the conference, he looks forward to exploring graduate education, connecting with peers and educational leaders, and considering new directions for his future in public policy. His achievement reflects the opportunities available to CCA students to pursue their academic ambitions, develop as leaders and make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom. It underscores how education, community engagement and a commitment to public service can open doors to new opportunities and pathways for future success.