APPAM Public Policy Camps
What are Public Policy Camps?
APPAM's Public Policy Camps were created to introduce public policy to undergraduate students who might not otherwise be familiar with the field. These camps are held in conjunction with APPAM Institutional Member graduate public policy and public affairs schools, and are designed to show promising, underrepresented undergraduate students that have shown a proclivity towards policy what a career in the policy world might look like. Programs are typically one day and consist of a diverse panel of professionals, breakout activities, and lunch or an ice cream social.
Upcoming Public Policy Camps
The next Public Policy Camp will be held at Syracuse University on September 19, 2025. See below for an agenda and a registration link.
We're excited to host our last Fall 2025 Public Policy at Syracuse University. The Maxwell School Public Policy Camp promises to engage students with an interest in public and social issues, raise their awareness of the professional field of public policy and administration, introduce them to leaders who look like them, and who work in the policy field, so they develop a broader understanding of the career possibilities that a public policy and administration education creates, and excite them about this field of study as an academic and professional pathway.
Students will leave the Policy Camp armed with new knowledge, a network of fellow students sharing their public service/activist spirit, alumni and faculty contacts for continued advice and mentorship, as well as resources for next steps so they can be successful in achieving their public service goals.
What is your WHY? Using your passion to make a difference in the world.
AGENDA
- 9:00 – 9:30 AM: Check in
- 9:30 – 10:15 AM: Keynote Address and Breakfast
- 10:15 – 10:30 AM: Welcome and Overview of Day's Activities
- David Van Slyke, Dean
- Gladys McCormick, Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives
- Cory Meyers, Director of Graduate Enrollment
- 10:30 – 10:45 AM: Break
- 10:45 – 11:30 AM: Clocks & Clouds: Addressing 21st Century Public Problems
- 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM: Careers in Public Service: Panel Discussion
- Len Lopoo*, Associate Dean of Public and International Affairs Programs
- Lionel Johnson, Professor of Practice
- 12:45 – 1:45 PM: Networking Lunch
- 1:45 – 2:30 PM: Tackling Today’s Issues: Small group discussions
- Interactive conversations on pressing public policy challenges
- 2:30 – 2:45 PM: Break
- 2:45 – 3:45 PM: Reception and Poster Session on “Tackling Today’s Issues”
- 3:45 – 4:00 PM: Closing Remarks
- Emily Rutherford, Associate Director of Graduate Admission
_______________________________________________
Who's eligible to register for Public Policy Camps? Any student enrolled in a public policy, public administration or public affairs undergraduate program or is interested in a career in these fields. The Public Policy Camp is a full day event with meals and a reception and an important opportunity to network with other students and important leaders in the field. If you are not an APPAM student member, you will be asked to create a profile in our system prior to registration. Email us with any questions.
Past Public Policy Camps
Over 500 undergraduate participants have attended Public Policy Camps. Here are some of our most recent events:
2025: University of Washington, University of Missouri
2024: NORC and the University of Chicago, Indiana University O'Neill School
2023: Georgia State University and University at Albany - State University of New York
2022: Penn State Harrisburg
2019: University of Maryland, Baltimore County and American University
2018: Syracuse University and University of California Riverside
Interested in Hosting a Public Policy Camp?
For more info, please email [email protected].