University of Southern California: Did you know that the University of Southern California (USC) recently launched a Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.? This new institute aims to address the complex policy challenges of our time and provide innovative solutions. But that’s not all – there’s much more to discover about this exciting initiative. From an expanded fellowship program to the philanthropic legacy behind it, USC’s Public Policy Institute promises to be a hub of cutting-edge research and transformative ideas. So, if you’re curious to learn how this institute is shaping the future of public policy, keep reading to uncover the fascinating details.
Key Takeaways
- USC has launched the Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. with the aim of addressing complex policy challenges and providing innovative solutions.
- The institute is made possible by a $59 million donation from Leonard D. Schaeffer and his wife, Pamela, and will open on July 1, 2024.
- The Schaeffer Institute’s mission is to produce research that informs evidence-based policymaking, educate students to be responsible and engaged citizens, and establish partnerships with influential policymakers and organizations.
- The expanded Schaeffer Fellows program administered by the USC Public Policy Institute will provide fellowship opportunities for at least 50 students annually from USC and partner universities, allowing them to engage in public policy and make a meaningful impact in government service.
USC Launches New Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.
The University of Southern California (USC) has launched a new Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., aiming to enhance evidence-based policymaking and civic education. The USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy & Government Service is set to open on July 1, 2024. This initiative expands USC’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and civic education. The establishment of the center has been made possible by a generous $59 million donation from Leonard D. Schaeffer and his wife, Pamela.
The center will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research, policy analysis, and engagement with policymakers. It will provide opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate with policymakers and thought leaders in Washington, D.C. The USC Public Policy Center will contribute to informed decision-making and promote effective policies that address societal challenges.
Mission and Vision of the Schaeffer Institute
With a clear mission to produce research that informs evidence-based policymaking, the Schaeffer Institute at USC is poised to address critical national issues and educate students to be responsible and engaged citizens in a functioning democracy. Under the leadership of USC President Carol Folt, the institute aims to develop academic leaders and establish impactful partnerships with influential policymakers and organizations. The mission and vision of the Schaeffer Institute can be summarized as follows:
- Producing research that informs evidence-based policymaking
- Addressing critical national issues
- Educating students to be responsible and engaged citizens
- Establishing partnerships with influential policymakers and organizations
These goals reflect the institute’s commitment to contributing to the development of effective policies and nurturing a generation of informed and active individuals who can make a positive impact on society.
Expanded Fellowship Opportunities
Looking to expand fellowship opportunities? The University of Southern California’s new Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. is doing just that. With the establishment of the institute, the existing USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics and the Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service will now administer fellowships. This expansion means that at least 50 students from USC and partner universities, including prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, UC Berkeley, and the University of Virginia, will receive fellowships annually.
To lead the expanded Schaeffer Fellows program, Erica Lovano McCann, currently USC’s assistant vice provost for undergraduate education, has been appointed as the executive director. This initiative provides an incredible opportunity for students to engage in public policy and make a meaningful impact in government service.
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Leonard D. Schaeffer’s Vision for Civic Education
Leonard D. Schaeffer’s vision for civic education is rooted in his commitment to addressing global challenges and fostering civic understanding among students. His goal is to provide critical analysis and facts to counteract erosion in public discourse and promote effective policy solutions. This vision is deeply personal for Schaeffer, as he credits an undergraduate fellowship in government for transforming his own career. To achieve his vision, Schaeffer has launched the Public Policy Institute at the University of Southern California (USC) in Washington, D.C.
This institute will serve as a platform for rigorous research and thoughtful analysis, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex policy issues. Through the institute, Schaeffer aims to empower the next generation of leaders to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to civic life.
Philanthropic Legacy: USC’s Largest Donation from the Schaeffers
Building upon their longstanding commitment to advancing health policy and civic education, the Schaeffers, longtime benefactors of USC, have made their largest donation to the university with a generous gift of $59 million. This philanthropic legacy exemplifies their dedication to shaping the future of healthcare and public policy. Leonard D. Schaeffer’s influential roles in the health insurance industry and government healthcare administration underscore the couple’s passion for making a meaningful impact in these areas. The table below highlights the Schaeffers’ previous contributions to USC, which includes the establishment of the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics in 2009 and the Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service program in 2015.
| Year | Contribution |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics |
| 2015 | Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service program |
Conclusion Of University of Southern California
You’ve just learned about the exciting launch of the USC Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. This new center will provide expanded fellowship opportunities and uphold Leonard D. Schaeffer’s vision for civic education. With the generous support of the Schaeffers, USC has received its largest philanthropic donation. The institute’s mission and vision aim to make a meaningful impact on public policy, and it promises to be a valuable resource for students, scholars, and policymakers alike.
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