The Academy

The MPAA brings together talented and aspiring students from throughout the state to develop their understanding of public affairs:  civic engagement through government and the private sector.  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)
• 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, and political parties will meet with participants to lectures and 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 carried out as students plan, publicize and implement a service project.

Requirements for selection to the Academy

The Academy is open to Missouri residents who are current sophomores and juniors in high school who meet the following criteria:

• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• record of community involvement
• willingness to attend the entire Academy (July 10-18, 2010)

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 Southwest Missouri State University. Travel to and from the Academy is not provided.