MSU expands public policy programs with Kellogg Foundation Grant

Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research is launching a new initiative to continue educating emerging leaders through an expansion of its ongoing policy education and research programs.

The initiative, starting this spring, is funded by a three-year $480,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek.

“With the support of the Kellogg Foundation, we will be able to advance our continuing programs and educate leaders on issues affecting vulnerable children and families,” said Matt Grossmann, director of IPPSR, which is housed in the College of Social Science.

The support will enhance training through three of IPPSR’s best-known programs: the Michigan Political Leadership Program, Legislative Leadership Program and State of the State Survey.

The Michigan Political Leadership Program annually trains 24 emerging leaders, in a bipartisan setting and approach, who are passionate about public service.

The two-day Legislative Leadership Program, conducted in partnership with MSU Extension and MSU’s Office of Governmental Affairs, provides activities and specialized policy education to newly elected Michigan legislators. The support will enable IPPSR to transform the biannual program into continuing educational programs for legislators and legislative staff.

The State of the State Survey examines Michigan’s consumer confidence and measures the state’s mood on questions of public and current affairs. The foundation’s support will enable multiple rounds of survey research, Grossmann said.
Coupling the survey with a new, associated panel survey of state policymakers, will allow for comparisons to be made between views of the public and policymakers.

Additionally, IPPSR will host an extended Public Policy Forum series on education, health and economic policy, further underscoring the importance of the issues and showcasing the latest research among diverse audiences.

“Improving children's early education, health and family financial equity in Michigan will require an improved environment for public policy and practice,” Grossmann said. “We are grateful for this support and look forward to advancing these programs and educating leaders across the state on issues touching the lives of vulnerable children and their families.”

The Kellogg Foundation works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to places with high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org.