Public Policy & Political Advocacy

Learn the foundations of our government systems, how the policymaking process works, and build skills to influence pertinent, meaningful social change.

Summer Springboard program located on the campus of Cal Poly SLO

Program Highlights

Develop pertinent knowledge about our government institution and how to effectively engage with decision-makers
View and analyze the interaction of policymakers and actors in the process
Hear and share stories with a political activist
Build an actionable advocacy strategy for topics students are passiaonate about
Tuition:

Residential Tuition :
$5,298

Dates:

Session 2:
July 14, 2024 July 26, 2024

Location:

Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly SLO - San Luis Obispo, CA

Testimonials

  • "This experience was very rewarding. I gained a lot of independence and really learned a lot, I would definitely to this program again."

    Julia J.

  • "Summer springboard was such a great time and I believe I have met some lifelong friends here. I really got to know the career path I chose and also got to know the area and got to explore"

    Sophia W.

Course Overview

Our government frameworks and institution impact every single person.The policies made by our federal, you! Throughout our two weeks together, we will learn the foundations of our government systems, how the policymaking process works, and build skills to influence pertinent, meaningful social change. Additionally, students will gain a command of political advocacy strategies and tactics and how to adapt them in an impactful way. This course will take a practical approach to learning to engage with policymakers and institutions while also focusing on building effective advocacy strategies and practical skills. More specifically, students will develop the knowledge of our government actors and institutions, the inter-workings of the policy system, view our policymakers in the process and build tools to effectively engage with the policymaking process and influence decisions to create meaningful change. By the end of the course, students will create their own actionable advocacy strategies to take into their future.

 

Meet your instructor

Annie Aguiñiga Frew

Public Policy & Political Advocacy Cal Poly SLO

Annie received her MPP from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2014. Her research focused on the assessment of the environmental justice movement in California’s Central Valley and its political impacts on California policymaking institutions. Ms. Frew’s career spans over a decade working in the California legislature and politics, local community engagement and political advocacy. She also holds a certificate in Conflict Transformation from Emory University.

Learn more

Topics you'll explore

Career Exploration


Attend the SLO County Board of Supervisors meeting to view public commentary and local government in action.

Yale - Law School

Course Structure


There are nine 3-hour class sessions over the two-week course. During week one, students have class from 9am-12pm Monday - Friday. During week two, students have class from 9am-12pm Monday through Thursday. Wednesday afternoons of each week are dedicated to students' course-specific academic excursion, guest speaker, or activity.

Law - Real World Insight

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Summer Springboard Pre-College Summer Program