Empowering youth and strengthening communities: Colin Jun MPP 2026’s summer in Meghalaya, India

Tell us a bit about your background

Before coming to HKS, I studied international relations at King’s College London and economics at Korea National Open University. I’ve always been interested in creating more opportunities for people to change their lives and communities, which is why I interned previously at the UN World Food Programme and worked at local and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) like the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), London International Model United Nations (LIMUN) Foundation, and PeaceX. I also completed my mandatory service in Korea by working at a daycare center for people with disabilities in my hometown. 
 

What was your internship role this summer, and what kinds of projects did you work on?

I was a summer intern for the Government Innovation Lab in the State Government of Meghalaya, in Shillong, India, where the state’s Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Sampath Kumar MC/MPA 2014 and his team focus on improving multi-departmental cooperation and increasing government project efficiency. The Lab operates under the State Capability Enhancement Project (SCEP).

As part of the SCEP communications team—where I also supported its educational initiatives—I reviewed the existing SCEP communications strategy and made recommendations on how the team can best leverage its online platforms to reach target audiences and promote SCEP projects. I also proposed a strategy to raise Meghalaya’s global profile, creating more opportunities for international collaboration and attracting talent from abroad to support the state’s development.

For my main project, I developed a communications strategy for the Meghalaya Project for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment, and Resilience (MPOWER)—a project that strengthens multisectoral service delivery and builds the State of Meghalaya’s capacity to improve the lives of the children and teens. As MPOWER prepares for statewide implementation, my communications strategy is designed to expand the project’s reach and visibility through a strategic framework, branding strategy, timeline, communication matrix, and implementation options. Among the implementation options are the “MPOWER Student Ambassador Programme,” which invites adolescents across the state to serve as ambassadors in their schools and raise awareness about issues affecting their peers, including mental health, physical health, and career development. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on teachers and institutions, this program creates space for adolescents to take the lead, ensuring that those directly impacted have a central voice. I also visited schools and communities in different parts of Meghalaya, including Mawkyrwat and Ranikor, where I spoke with teachers and students to better understand how to implement my program effectively.

Beyond my internship, I had the chance to collaborate with MeghalayaMUN, a local NGO, and teach Model UN classes to students from across the state. Leading these classes and observing students from different parts of Meghalaya like Khasi Hills and Garo Hills gave me valuable insights into which student groups to engage for the pilot program and the most effective strategies to involve students in these educational initiatives.

What are some takeaways from your summer experience?

Public communication is often undervalued in policymaking. My summer experiences, however, showed me that how policies and programs are communicated to community members is crucial to their success. Beyond having the programs in place, sharing the “why” behind these initiatives can significantly increase the community’s receptiveness. When people understand why a program matters, they can become active participants rather than passive beneficiaries. With this in mind, the MPOWER Student Ambassador Programme is designed to place students at the heart of communication, empowering them to tackle development challenges in their own lives. For this to happen, the government’s communication must be proactive and engage beneficiaries rather than simply delivering information.

Working at SCEP also reinforced the importance of identifying “the issue,” a key lesson from my API-501B Policy Design and Delivery class. Before joining SCEP, I assumed that increasing the availability and accessibility of resources was the most critical factor for young Meghalayans’ success. While resources are important, my interactions with students across the Khasi and Garo Hills revealed that motivation and ambition were the real challenges. In some districts, students struggled to see the long-term benefits of extracurricular or educational initiatives. The solution, I found, began with better storytelling—highlighting local heroes who demonstrate the value of education. My summer internship was a valuable opportunity to reflect on how my MPP coursework applies in real-world settings.  
 

What was the highlight of your summer experience? 

Visiting local communities across Meghalaya. In July, I visited Mawkyrwat, the headquarters of South West Khasi Hills, and Ranikor to observe the MPOWER teacher training sessions and engage with local teachers and students. These visits gave me a deeper understanding of how stakeholders perceive our policies and programs, as well as the gaps that need attention—insights I couldn’t gain from reports alone. Hearing personal stories helped me appreciate the everyday challenges people face—it enriched my perspective for designing and delivering policies.

I also enjoyed getting to know the passionate people in the State Capability Enhancement Project. Everyone supported me and other Growth Lab interns in settling into Shillong and exploring Meghalaya outside of work—from visiting the Behdienkhlam Festival in Jowai and building a sand Taj Mahal by the Ranikor River to countless farewell parties. I am grateful to Development Commissioner Sampath Kumar and his team for providing opportunities and resources that allowed me to learn so much from this internship. My experience would not have been the same without these wonderful colleagues, who are now friends.

More than anything else, I cherished becoming part of the Meghalaya community. Teaching classes with MeghalayaMUN, delivering a lecture at a local university, and participating in an academic conference at North-Eastern Hill University allowed me to connect with students who share my passion for building a better future. Shillong became my home in India this summer, and I look forward to returning to reconnect with my friends again! 

How did your summer internship fit into your academic and professional goals?

During my previously internship at the UN World Food Programme headquarters in Rome, I gained experience in high-level discussions on development policies and programs. This summer’s internship offered a unique perspective on how local and state governments translate these discussions into effective policies that drive real change. Learning how governments make decisions and engage with diverse stakeholders provided invaluable lessons I can apply when supporting local governments on development initiatives—whether at an international organization or elsewhere. I also look forward to bringing these perspectives to my HKS classes and discussions.

Working at SCEP clarified that my interest lies in designing education and social welfare policies that directly improve people’s lives. As I begin my second year in the MPP Program, I plan to take additional classes in these areas to deepen my knowledge.

My SCEP experience also inspired me to conduct research in international development. The insights I gained through MPOWER—a World Bank-funded project—sparked my interest in how foreign aid and international development can better support local and state governments in achieving meaningful impact. Working on public communications further piqued my interest in how communications can be leveraged to maximize policy effectiveness. I’d like to conduct independent research on these topics during my last year at HKS, so I can explore the questions and ideas that arose during my internship.

Why is the Growth Lab’s work important at this moment?

Meghalaya has so much potential for a better future. With 45 percent of its population under 45, well-designed policies and programs can empower this young population to contribute more effectively to the state’s economic and social development. The government is actively fostering innovative ideas, enhancing state capacity, and delivering better policies to communities. With this level of support, policy innovations and experiments can improve people’s lives.

The Growth Lab plays a crucial role in connecting the Government of Meghalaya with the resources, experience, and knowledge it needs to integrate innovation into policy and program design. Meghalaya and other northeastern states are less connected to other regions in India and parts of the world—the Growth Lab and its interns serve as a bridge, connecting global ideas and resources with local insights. By working collaboratively with the government, we can help communities lead their own development in ways that fit their unique context—rather than being a doctor that imposes solutions.

For anyone interested in policy implementation and international development, I highly recommend the Growth Lab summer internship with the Government of Meghalaya. 

Photos courtesy of Colin Jun