The Wilson School will resurrect the Junior Summer Institute (JSI) in 2005 after suspending the program last year.
Since its establishment in 1985, JSI had sought to prepare minority undergraduates for careers in public service. The University discontinued the program after the University of Michigan entered into a legal battle over affirmative action.
"Due to the legal climate at that time, the Wilson School administration chose to discontinue JSI," University Media Relations Manager Patricia Allen said.
The Supreme Court ruled in June 2003 that race could not be an overriding factor in college admissions.
Despite the University of Michigan's public school status, the high court's ruling still applied to private entities, including the Wilson School.
"Title VI makes any institution in receipt of federal funds subject to similar limitations," Allen said.
The Ford Foundation funded the institute during most of its history, but because of public pressures the foundation withdrew monetary support in 1999.
To comply with the Supreme Court's ruling, the Wilson School has eliminated the minority requirement for the reinstituted program, Allen said.
However, the Institute's application now requires that students indicate a "strong interest in cross-cultural and social issues."
There is also an optional section in which students can identify their racial or tribal affiliations.
Roughly half of the minority graduate students in the Wilson School have attended JSI.
JSI admits roughly 30 college juniors to its seven-week program each year.
The last JSI class consisted of students from 14 states and five countries.
Though the admissions criteria have been revamped, the content of the institute will remain unchanged, Allen said.
During the seven weeks, students will attend workshops on public policy and economics.
Students will not earn college credit for the courses.
JSI also hosts several field trips, including, in recent years, trips to the United Nations, Ellis Island and community development organizations.
The Wilson School pays for the tuition, textbook and travel costs while also providing a $1,500 stipend.
"The summer program was very successful in the past," Allen said. "It really did help cultivate leadership skills and prepare students for careers in public service and work in nonprofits."
According to its website, JSI believes it is "important to have a diverse cadre of leaders" in the government and the private sector.
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