World Bank-Annenberg Summer Institute
Reform Communication: Leadership, Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement
June 2 ‐ June 13, 2025
Program overview
We invite you to participate in the annual World Bank-Annenberg Summer Institute on communicating reform at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. During the program, participants will learn the most recent advances in strategic communication and best practices for achieving reforms. This highly interactive course equips participants with the tools, techniques, and tactics required to build coalitions for change, mobilize public support and navigate the political environment.
Join us in Los Angeles for a one-week or two-week course. The first week of the WBASI focuses on the political economy of communication reform that is analyzed through case studies from the World Bank. The focus is on using communication with a variety of stakeholders to assist reforms through changes in political will, organizational will and social will.
During the second week, we offer more interactive and experiential learning opportunities, building your skills in emerging technologies like AI, and using communication metrics to measure impact. Examples come from social media messaging and marketing, working with the entertainment industry, creating communication campaigns, and developing storytelling skills for the future. Classes are taught by experts from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and industry professionals.
Tuition Information
* Registration includes daily instruction, meals during sessions (breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks), and a site visit.
* The fee does not include airfare, lodging, or other living expenses.
* A non-refundable $500 deposit is required upon acceptance and is applied toward tuition.
* Payment due 6 weeks from date of acceptance
Who Should Apply?
The Summer Institute is designed for professionals working on reform initiatives including: strategists, government advisors, senior development practitioners, communication specialists, social entrepreneurs and executives who want to build leadership capacity and change behaviors.
Successful applicants will possess:
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- 10 to 15 years of professional experience with a focus on multi-stakeholder engagement.
- A master's degree or equivalent in communication, public affairs, political science, international relations, economics, or related fields
- Fluency in spoken and written English
Program Benefits
- Interpreting and using political analysis
- Crafting muti-stakeholder collaboration and networking strategies to support reforms
- Developing strategic communication skills that lead to results
- Learn the latest techniques in storytelling
- Building communication metrics to measure reform efforts
- Connecting with a global network of development professionals
- Participants will earn a certificate from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Past Keynote Speakers
DR. VALERIE HICKEY
GLOBAL DIRECTOR ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND BLUE ECONOMY THE WORLD BANK GROUP
ANIL CHITRAKAR
FOUNDER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPS FOR CONSERVATION AWARENESS
CO-FOUNDER OF HIMALAYAN CLIMATE INITIATIVE
GABBY STERN
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Distinguished Instructors
The past distinguished Instructors of the World Bank-Annenberg Summer Institute include:
Dr. Patti Riley
Associate Professor of Communication Director, Global Communication Master’s Degree Program USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Dr. Ernest J. Wilson III
Professor of Communication and Political Science Former USC Annenberg Dean Founder of the Annenberg Center for Third Space Thinking USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism
Shellee Smith
Executive Director USC Center for Third Space Thinking & Executive Education USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism
Sumir Lal
Director External and Corporate Relations The World Bank Group
Sheila Murphy
Professor of Communication USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
DR. JOE ÁRVAI
DIRECTOR, WRIGLEY INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES USC DANA AND DAVID DORNSIFE PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Willa Seidenberg
Professor of Professional Practice of Journalism USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism
Masud Mozammel
Senior Communication Officer External and Corporate Relations The World Bank Group
Tom Hollihan
Professor of Communication Director, Doctoral Studies USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Dr. Eric M. Eisenberg
Dean College of Arts and Sciences University of South Florida
Vince Gonzales
Professor of Professional Practice Associate Dean of Student Affairs Associate Director for Journalism Graduate Programs USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
DR. WILLIAM SWARTOUT
PROFESSOR AND CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER THE USC INSTITUTE FOR CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
DR. SINA ODUGBEMI
PUBLIC SPEAKER AND CONSULTANT
Jessica Fishman, PHD
Director of the Message Effects Lab Annenberg School for Communication and Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania
Matthew Leveque
Associate Professor of Professional Practice Public Relations Media Coordinator USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Testimonials
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