Leadership and Public Service

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Leadership and Public Service

Leadership and Public Service

Leadership and Public Service (LAPS) is for students who want to address pressing and critical problems facing the world through public service.

What is public service? We define public service broadly and inclusively. It can be running for office, serving as an elected official, working for the government at any level, advocating for policy solutions, lobbying for constituent needs, engaging with your local community through organizing or activism, or belonging to one of the many institutions world-wide that promote democracy, peace, and justice.

Many of our LAPS initiatives are inspired by a MHC student delegation’s 2011 visit to the U.S. State Department to strategize about how underrepresented populations can find more ways to enter the public service arena.

Expand your leadership potential

Students meeting with alums during the 2017 site visit to Washington, DC

Careers in Public Service

Take part in a site visit to learn more about careers in public service. The Weissman Center, together with our campus partners, sponsors trips each year where you will have the opportunity to connect with MHC alums working in the field.

MHC Semester in D.C.

Combine an intensive internship in Washington, D.C. with rigorous coursework in government, policy, advocacy, and related fields. Spend a fall semester in the nation’s capital taking courses at American University in its Washington Semester Program.

During her summer internship, Jessica Taylor ’17 answered questions from constituents who contacted the Springfield, Mass. office of Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Internships

Intern at the offices of elected officials, as well as non-profit organizations in the Pioneer Valley that are working on policy at state and national levels on issues such as media reform, government transparency, and social and economic justice for women and families. The Weissman Center will provide support for you throughout the experience.

Public Policy Seminars

Interested in a public service or public policy career? Grants are available to MHC students to attend public policy seminars in Washington D.C. that are sponsored by the Public Leadership and Education Network.