Policy-in-Action Project

Analyze a real-world, policy-related challenge or problem for a nonprofit, public, or private sector collaborating organization.

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Policy-in-Action Project

Analyze a real-world, policy-related challenge or problem for a nonprofit, public, or private sector collaborating organization.

The Policy in Action Project is a semester-length professional capstone experience where you will be able to:

  • Test, practice, and augment the technical and leadership skills you will gain from classes or have gained from past experience
  • Build or grow your professional network
  • Pivot to new policy domains
  • Stretch yourself in a lower-stakes environment with the support of experienced professors
  • Contribute to meaningful change in a real organization or policy area

Throughout the project, students enroll in a class designed to accompany them in the process of producing a final deliverable under the mentorship of Brown faculty members and collaborating organization professionals. Students work in small teams and apply their skills to address policy-related challenges in a professional setting. Each project will culminate in a final deliverable that includes a set of actionable recommendations for the collaborating organization. Students will present their recommendations at a Policy-in-Action Project Symposium (view the 2025 program) hosted at the Watson School at the end of the Spring semester.

Are you interested in sponsoring a furture Policy in Action project? Reach out to Benjamin J. Chalot with your idea.

In Their Own Words.

Recent alumni on their Policy in Action experience.

Isabella Nadeau '25 MPA Play
1 of 5

Isabella Nadeau '25 MPA

Ulviya Chisty Play
2 of 5

Ulviya Chisty '25 MPA

Evan Williams Play
3 of 5

Evan Williams '25 MPA

Luca Duclos-Orsello Play
4 of 5

Luca Duclos-Orsello '25 MPA

Estela Westphalen Play
5 of 5

Estela Westphalen '25 MPA

Views from our Partners

I expected the [policy-in-action project] presentation to be informative and precise, which it was, but the students’ ability and comfort answering unexpected questions from the audience demonstrated a deep engagement with the policy problem we’re facing. And I thought the recommended next steps were spot on.

Brian Thorn Director of Broadband Strategy, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation

“The [Policy in Action team assigned to our project] was a highly motivated group, which helped them hit the ground running to provide research and analysis on some very complicated topics related to business and human rights. They’ve all produced excellent work, and I look forward to seeing what they achieve after they graduate from the program.”

Sonia Cuesta Associate Human Rights Officer, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, '17 MPA

Sample of previous PIA Project partners