Missouri Public Affairs Academy

Each summer the Missouri Public Affairs Academy brings talented high school students from throughout the state together to develop their understanding of public affairs. The Academy combines presentations by guest speakers with discussions, hands-on activities and service projects, and gives students the opportunity to learn from talented and accomplished political and community leaders in the state. The MPAA is designed to provide students with intensive instruction on public affairs. To this end, Academy topics include: the social contract, social issues in American society (Focus issue: poverty), global issues (Focus issue: International humanitarian relief and social entrepreneurship), the role of media and public opinion, leadership skills, community partnerships, and developing a personal commitment to civic engagement. The Academy curriculum is taught through a variety of highly interactive methods. Guest speakers from the Missouri government, media, not-for-profit organizations and the Missouri State University faculty meet with participants and engage them in dialogue. During the program, a field trip is taken to Jefferson City. The trip includes tours of major government buildings and sessions with representatives from the executive, legislative and judicial branches of state government. The theme of each year's Academy follows Missouri State University's public affairs theme for the year. The curriculum and activities will focus around this theme. In addition, students will plan, publicize and implement a service project to reinforce the theme's concepts. The theme for the 2018 session is Sustainability in Practice: Consensus and Consequences. Current high school juniors in Missouri high schools during the 2017-18 academic year are welcome to apply to the 2018 Missouri Public Affairs Academy. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher, teacher recommendation, and be able to attend all days of the Academy. Upon official acceptance into the Academy, a non-refundable $50 registration fee will be required by May 1, 2018. All other Academy expenses, including housing, meals and all Academy activities are at no cost to the participant and provided by Missouri State University. Travel to and from the Academy is not provided. Non-Missouri residents will pay an out-of-state Academy fee. Based on need, a request to waive the $50 non-refundable registration fee may be submitted by school personnel, on behalf of the applicant, no later than May 1, 2018.