Contact: James Agee, agee@cablespeed.com; Anne Mervenne, anne@mervenne.com; or Amy Baumer, (517) 355-6672, Ext. 132, baumeram@msu.edu

07/15/2004

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Applications for 24 leadership-training fellowships are now being accepted for Michigan State University's Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP).

The multi-partisan MPLP is one of only a handful of programs of its kind in the nation. It brings together community leaders; engaging them in a public policy and leadership education curriculum. The deadline for submitting applications is Sept. 3.

"I was impressed by the diversity of my MPLP colleagues," said Scott Rodriguez, legislative assistant for state Rep. Joseph Rivet and an MPLP alumnus. "It was great to be exposed to other points of view and to see that my own ideas fit in. Since participating in the program, I have gained the confidence to undertake my first leadership position in a community organization."

Practical politics, public policy analysis and process, personal leadership development, and effective governance are the cornerstones of the program’s hands-on curriculum.

“Individuals who are interested in making a difference in their community and the state of Michigan are encouraged to apply to receive this specialized and innovative training,” said Anne Mervenne, MPLP co-director and president of Mervenne & Company, a governmental consulting firm.

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.

Since 1992, MPLP has graduated nearly 325 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 and House of Representatives, and state superintendent.

"Fellows benefit from the instruction of top consultants, advisers and current elected officials," said James Agee, MPLP co-director and a former state representative. "Our alumni are equipped with essential tools for getting elected and making sound public policy decisions in important leadership positions."

Becoming an MPLP fellow represents a substantial commitment. Participants 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.

More information, including the fellowship application, is available online at www.ippsr.msu.edu/mplp under “fellowship information.” For additional details, contact the MPLP office at (517) 355-6672, Ext. 116.