Annually, a diverse group of 24 individuals are awarded the opportunity to participate in a hands-on curriculum that incorporates personal leadership development, public policy process and analysis, governance, and campaigning. Practical skills training are emphasized. Fellows participate in team and coalition-building activities to foster communication and the exchange of ideas. The MPLP faculty is comprised of elected officials, political activists, MSU faculty, media, and business professionals from across Michigan.
In a bipartisan learning environment, a diverse group of 24 individuals from across the state engage in a public policy and leadership curriculum. The 10-month program incorporates practical politics, public policy analysis and process, personal leadership development and effective governance. More than 800 MPLP graduates have put the skills acquired through the program to work in their communities.
Location: Lansing
Theme: Leadership
Local Flavor: Capitol Tour
Key Session: Legislative Leader Forum
Campaign Focus: Why You Are Running
Governing Focus: State Budget
Location: Holland
Theme: Tourism
Local Flavor: Brewing Company
Key Session: True Colors Personality Differences
Campaign Focus: Stump Speech
Governing Focus: Housing
Location: Roscommon
Theme: Rural and Tribal Issues
Local Flavor: Bonfire
Key Session: Local Government
Campaign Focus: Identifying Your Voters
Governing Focus: Tribal Government
Location: Ann Arbor
Theme: Education
Local Flavor: Spark Tech Incubator
Key Session: Legislative Simulation
Campaign Focus: Issue Speech
Governing Focus: Policymaking
Location: Detroit
Theme: Immigration
Local Flavor: Walking Tour
Key Session: Metro Detroit Political Landscape
Campaign Focus: Budget
Governing Focus: State vs. Federal
Location: Frankenmuth
Theme: Advocacy
Local Flavor: Riverboat Cruise
Key Session: Business & Lobbying
Campaign Focus: Media Relationships and Social Media
Governing Focus: Community Engagement
Location: East Lansing
Theme: Media
Local Flavor: Small Business Owners
Key Session: Media Training
Campaign Focus: Communications
Governing Focus: Establishing Relationships with the Media
Location: Grand Rapids
Theme: Health Care
Local Flavor: Art Prize
Key Session: How Does a Bill Get Passed
Campaign Focus: Knocking on Doors
Governing Focus: Health Care Policy
Location: Dearborn
Theme: Auto Industry
Local Flavor: TBD
Key Session: TBD
Campaign Focus: Fundraising and Budget
Governing Focus: Jobs and the Economy
Location: East Lansing
Theme: Energy
Local Flavor: Energy Farm
Key Session: Graduation
Campaign Focus: Campaign Plan Presentation
Governing Focus: Energy Policy
Considerable financial resources and time are donated to support each fellowship, valued at approximately $12,000. The fellowship covers the participants' lodging, meals and program costs, however, accepted Fellows are asked to pay an administrative fee of $1,500 to participate in this program. Travel and parking expenses are the responsibility of the participant.
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must be a registered voter in the state of Michigan
- Must be available to attend all 10 weekend sessions (program dates will be available by October 1st, 2025)
- Must not be running/campaigning for political office in same year of applying for program
