Public Policy Program

PROGRAM OF THE MARYLAND SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY  Program Structure:  The Fellowship Program will consist of a consecutive, two semester experience. Students will apply to be Fellows in the Spring of each year and a new cohort will be admitted each Fall. Participants will begin the program with an inaugural event at the State House in Annapolis, Maryland. A series of specialized activities and experiences have been designed to give students the opportunities learn about leadership and advocate on behalf of something they are passionate about. Participants will work towards a Certificate of Completion and will be recognized at an annual ceremony at the School of Public Policy.  (FALL) Semester One: Fellows will take a three-credit leadership course, PUAF 202 - “Contemporary Issues in Leadership and Public Policy,” which introduces them to public policy and social justice issues. This course will be structured as a 15-week lecture series where students hear from local elected officials, leaders of non-profit organizations, members of state and county agencies, and faculty from the School of Public Policy. The course will also include weekly journals/ reflection papers and a final project outlining the Fellows‟ interest in a specific policy issue.  (SPRING) Semester Two: Fellows will take a three-credit PUAF Political Internship course, PUAF 348. Fellows have the choice of an internship in Annapolis during the legislative session OR in a Public Leadership internship with a recognized not-for-profit entity dedicated to „the public good.‟ Fellows will either work closely with delegates and other elected officials OR they would work within an approved Public Leadership internship toward the goal expanding upon the student‟s chosen interest with related field experience.  Students will earn an additional three credits for each 135 hours spent at their internship and will register for PUAF 349 for three or six-credits. While in the program, Fellows will attend monthly meetings where they will be developed and mentored by local public leaders; complete their own Community Action Projects (CAP), attend field trips to Washington, DC and Annapolis; and attend student leadership development conferences and workshops. To exhibit collaborative leadership and the ability to defend a position on a significant public policy issue, Fellows will have a team debate; judged by a panel, at the end of the spring semester.