Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy
The Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy (HMIPP) was established in 2011 with the mission of educating citizens to be effective advocates and change agents in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Designed as a multi-partisan program, the HMIPP program recruits a diverse group of individuals from across the region.
The year long program incorporates the understandings of local political institutions, public policy analysis, campaigning, and effective governance. The cohort will be engaged in discussions about public policy, politics, and leadership at the local level.
Program Overview
All citizens who have an interest with becoming involved as an elected or appointed official or policy advocate. It is not required for an applicant to be currently engaged in any political or public policy functions. HMIPP will help you explore the range of opportunities at the local government.
The HMIPP cohort will meet once a month on Friday evenings. Our typical program starts in January, and will go through November, with June and July off. Please see the attached 2024 Cohort Schedule for more detail. Classes are held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Saginaw Valley State University, as well as locations throughout the Great Lakes Bay region.
Each session will be administered by members of the faculty advisory board. Participants have the opportunity to listen and engage with community leaders and participate in political or public policy discussions with fellow cohort members. A cohort member should expect to dedicate 10-hours per month to the program.
The program will:
Provide insight about pursuing elected office, as well as appointment and employment in politics and public policy; and
Engage in thoughtful discussion about political advocacy, and public policy; and
Educate individuals about public policy issues specific to the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Members will have the opportunity to attend social events with the advisory board, guest speakers, and HMIPP alumni.
Included in the nine scheduled sessions is a session in Lansing. Cohort members will be required to spend a day in Lansing, with meals paid by the HMIPP. The day in Lansing will involve a combination of policy workshops and panels with leaders and staff.
The program costs $500 per participant. The cost is inclusive to all materials needed for the program.
The Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy is administered by the Office of Governmental and Community Affairs at Saginaw Valley State University with guidance from two advisory boards. Funding to support the Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy is provided by the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, Michigan associations, corporations, labor organizations, Henry Marsh Institute alumni, and individuals.