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Flint met the leaders of Michigan State University’s Michigan Political Leadership Program during MPLP’s first-ever road trip to Flint. Now MPLP is on the road to West Michigan on Wednesday, May 15.

Register now to hold your seat! 

Michigan Political Leadership Program alumni and early childhood education leaders join together in a special MPLP event – called Engage West Michigan -- at 6 p.m. at the Kent County District Library in Comstock Park. The library’s at 814 W. River Center, NE.

We’re looking forward to our time in west Michigan to help build strong leaders, those who truly want to make a difference in their community and their world,” said Susy Avery, former Republican State Chair and co-director of the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP.)

MPLP will open applications on May 15 with its visit to west Michigan, Avery said. Applications can be found online at http://bit.ly/MPLPApply.  Applications will be due Friday, Sept. 13, 2019.

MPLP, a Michigan State University certificate program, offers 10 months of political leadership training every year to 24 people from throughout Michigan.

MPLP Fellows take part in a series of events and activities – to gain personal leadership skills -- around the state before a gala graduation featuring state and national political leaders.

MPLP, a Michigan State University certificate program, offers 10 months of political leadership training every year to 24 people from throughout Michigan.

"MPLP Fellows take part in a series of events and activities -- to gain personal leadership skills -- around the state before a gala graduation featuring state and national political leaders.

"We look forward to Engage West Michigan to spread the word about the opportunities available through MPLP," said Steve Tobocman, former House Democratic Floor Leader who shares co-directorship duties with Avery.

"We already have nearly 700 graduates who are making their mark in business, nonprofit organizations, the state House, the Michigan Senate and elected positions around the state and west Michigan," he said.

MPLP applicants must be 21 years of age, a registered voter in the state of Michigan and available to attend all weekend sessions. They must not be seeking elective office at the same time they are applying for the fellowship program.

MPLP is a part of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR), in MSU's College of Social Sciences. IPPSR specializes in leadership, public policy and survey research.

"This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the Michigan Political Leadership Program's opportunities for aspiring leaders," said Interim IPPSR Director Arnold Weinfeld.

All are welcome to this free event," Weinfeld said. "You'll find experts on early childhood education and preschool development and MPLP alumni sharing their experiences with a program that can help others succeed as they have."

Early childhood education speakers are :

  • Nkechy Ekere Ezeh, Founder & CEO, Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative
  • Richard Lower, Director, Office of Preschool & Out-of-School Time Learning, Office of Great Start

MPLP alumni panelists are:

  • John Helmholdt, Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs, Grand Rapids Public Schools, MPLP Class of 2004
  • State Rep. Mark Huizenga, MPLP Class of 2016
  • Bill Jackson, Associate, McAlvey Merchant and Associates, MPLP Class of 2007
  • Kristin Revere, Owner, Revere Consulting, Co-Owner of Gold Coast Doulas, MPLP Class of 2008

Engage West Michigan is part of a series of similar programs taking place across the state this spring and summer with the support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek. MPLP's next stop is Detroit on Thursday, June 6 at 5:30 p.m. at MSU's Detroit Center, 3408 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit. MPLP and community leaders will be talking about health equity as they introduce MPLP leadership opportunities.

Questions about MPLP and Engage programming? Contact Katherine Cusick, program manager, at 517-353-1357, cusickk@msu.edu.