Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

This presentation provides examples of how university-municipal partnerships from San Diego State University’s Sage Project (a replication of the Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities [EPIC] Model) have been used to enrich public policy courses for Master of Public Administration students in a NASPAA-accredited MPA program. The presentation will discuss how MPA students have been able to apply public policy concepts and hone their policy analysis and implementation skills through applied municipal projects related to economic development, homelessness, and nonprofit-government partnerships via projects undertaken with the Cities of Lemon Grove and National City. The presentation will highlight learning outcomes that are achieved by using the EPIC Model, the professional development opportunities provided to students, and the unique career networking opportunities EPIC programs offer to MPA and MPP students. The presentation will also address challenges of implementation, and lessons that can be adopted by future MPA programs seeking to capitalize upon EPIC program partnerships in public policy courses.