6/24/2003

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State University's Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) is currently accepting applications for 24 leadership-training fellowships.

MPLP - one of only a handful of multi-partisan programs of its kind in the nation - brings together community leaders from across the state to engage in a public policy and leadership education curriculum.

"MPLP provides essential tools for those wishing to advance their involvement in the public sphere," said James G. Agee, MPLP co-director and a former state representative. "Top consultants, advisers and current elected officials offer their time and expertise to train graduates in making sound public policy decisions and serving as effective leaders."

The fellowship, valued at $12,000, covers lodging, meals and program costs. Travel and some parking expenses are the responsibility of the participant. Funding for the fellowship program is provided by the MSU Office of the Provost, the MSU College of Social Science, MPLP alumni, and Michigan businesses, associations and labor organizations. Grant funding is provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.

Participants take part in a hands-on curriculum focused on issues such as: understanding leadership; intergovernmental relations, urban policy, and social and economic development; ethics in campaigns and governing and deciding to run; and politics and media.

Since 1992, MPLP has graduated nearly 300 fellows who have used the skills and relationships acquired through the program to benefit their communities. More than 100 have served in public offices including the Michigan Senate, state superintendent and director of the Family Independence Agency.

"I encourage anyone who is interested in making a difference in their community and the state of Michigan to apply to receive this specialized and innovative training," said Anne M. Mervenne, MPLP co-director and president of Mervenne and Partners, a governmental consulting firm.

Becoming an MPLP fellow represents a substantial commitment. Fellows are required to attend one weekend session per month from February through November, generally beginning with dinner Friday evening and meeting through Saturday afternoon. At least five sessions will begin as early as 1 p.m. on Friday to incorporate the public policy briefing series that is open to fellows and the general public.

MPLP is administered and supported by MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) and is a signature program of the College of Social Science. The deadline for submitting applications is Sept. 5. More information, including the 2004 fellowship application, is available online at www.ippsr.msu.edu/mplp under "upcoming events." For additional information, contact the MPLP office at (517) 355-6672, Ext. 116.