Georgia State University Hosts 2023 APPAM Public Policy Camp

ATLANTA — Georgia State’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies hosted the 2023 APPAM Public Policy Camp for undergraduates at the university on March 3, inviting students from other Atlanta-area universities to attend.

The day-long camp, sponsored by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) and produced by the Department of Public Management and Policy (PMAP), introduces the field of public policy to undergraduate students and increases the pipeline of diverse students into APPAM-member graduate public policy and public affairs schools. The annual camps are designed to show promising, underrepresented undergraduates that have demonstrated a proclivity toward policy what a career in the policy world might look like, according to the APPAM.

“I’m very pleased that our APPAM-sponsored Public Policy Camp was a big success,” PMAP Chair Cathy Liu said. “The day was packed with rich information, deep engagement and lively discussion among the 65 students who attended, and the presenters and panelists.”

Throughout the day, students networked with policymakers from Atlanta while learning more about change-making careers in public policy and government.

“We received much publicity throughout the day, and the APPAM representatives commented that this was among the largest groups they have seen among all the public policy camps so far,” Liu said.

Liu recognized and thanked those who put the camp together in a follow-up email.

“My sincere appreciation to Associate Professor Jason Coupet, as well as the rest of the committee, Visiting Assistant Professor Ed Smith and Associate Professor Can Chen, for organizing and promoting the event and recruiting students. Thanks to our faculty members Distinguished University Professor and Interim Dean Ann-Margaret Esnard, Clinical Associate Professor Joseph Hacker, Professor Christine Roch and Associate Professor Jurée Capers who shared their wisdom. And special thanks to Associate Professor Qiana Cryer-Coupet, who brought in her social work perspective.”

Participation by AYSPS students and alumni made the day complete, she said.

“I was impressed by the enthusiasm and passion for public policy in the room and see much interest in our programs,” Liu sad. “We will continue to find ways to engage our students and look forward to including them in some ways in APPAM’s 2023 Fall Research Conference (Nov. 9-11) here in town.”