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 administrative theory 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 administrative theory concepts and hone their analytical skills through applied municipal projects related to strategic planning and homelessness partnerships, as part of the Sage Project’s collaboration with local governments in the San Diego region. 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 models offer to MPA and MPP students. The presentation will also address challenges of implementation, and lessons that can be adopted by future programs seeking to capitalize upon EPIC partnerships in public policy courses.