The Academy
Each summer, MSU's Missouri Public Affairs Academy brings together talented and aspiring high school juniors and seniors from throughout the state to develop their understanding of public affairs. It is a great opportunity to benefit from a talented and accomplished group of political and community leaders in the state. The Academy combines presentations by guest speakers with discussions, hands-on activities, and service projects.
The MPAA has three main goals:
- To help students understand their role as citizens working “for the greater good”
- To provide a forum for discussion with distinguished speakers including community leaders, government officials, journalists, and university professors
- To provide students with the leadership skills necessary to become actively involved in their communities
Curriculum
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
- Developing a personal commitment to civic engagement
The Academy curriculum is taught through a variety of highly interactive methods. Guest speakers from Missouri government, the media, philanthropic not-for-profits, and MSU faculty will meet with participants to engage in dialogue. A field trip to Jefferson City will include tours of major government buildings along with sessions with representatives from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government. The Academy theme of personal community involvement, For the Greater Good, will be addressed as students plan, publicize, and implement a service project.
Requirements for Admission to the Academy
The Academy is open to Missouri residents who are sophomores and juniors in high school during the 2012-13 academic year and who meet the following criteria:
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- record of community involvement
- willingness to attend the entire Academy (July 20-27, 2013)
Cost of the Academy
A non-refundable $50 registration fee is due after students have been accepted to the Academy. All other funding, including room, board, and all Academy activities, is provided by Missouri State University. Travel to and from the Academy is not provided.