Announcing the 2026 City Management & Urban Studies Fellows: Jason Huynh and Cassie Sardina

The School of Public Affairs is pleased to announce that Jason Huynh and Cassie Sardina have been selected as the School’s 2026 City Management & Urban Studies Fellows. These fellowships are highly competitive and prestigious, recognizing students who demonstrate strong academic performance, professional promise, and a commitment to public service leadership.

The City Management & Urban Studies Fellowship Program is a flagship applied-learning initiative of the School of Public Affairs and a collaboration with local government partners across the region. The program is designed to prepare future city managers and public-sector leaders through an immersive, practice-based experience that integrates academic coursework with professional service. Fellows commit approximately 20 hours per week over the academic year to work directly with host agencies on substantive projects, while also receiving mentorship from senior public officials. In recognition of this significant commitment, Fellows receive scholarship support from the School of Public Affairs, underscoring the School’s investment in experiential learning and workforce development.

Jason Huynh will serve as the 2026 Fellow housed at Heartland Fire & Rescue. Heartland Fire & Rescue is a regional public safety authority that represents a collaborative service model across East County jurisdictions. Jason will be supporting the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove. 

Cassie Sardina will serve as the 2026 Fellow with the City of Solana Beach, where she will work closely with city leadership and staff on projects that support municipal operations and community priorities.

The School congratulates Jason and Cassie on their selection and thanks to our local government partners for their continued collaboration. Together, these partnerships strengthen the School’s mission to advance effective, ethical, and equitable public service through education, research, and applied practice.