Maine Public Policy Scholars Program

University of Maine

Promising Approaches

• (1) Provide instruction in academic disciplines through the lens of government, history, law, and democracy.
• (2) Incorporate discussion of current local, national, and international issues and events into the classroom, particularly those that young people view as important to their lives.
• (4) Encourage and support activities and student and community organizations that provide opportunities for students to be engaged in their campuses and communities.

Overview

The aim of the Maine Public Policy Scholars Program is for students to learn about a public policy issue in Maine, the need to consider values in planning and evaluating policy, the necessary trade-offs involved in public policy, and professional standards for conducting policy research.  The University of Maine student chosen to participate in this program, funded by the Maine Community Foundation, conducts policy research and meets with other students, mentors, and faculty members from the University of Maine System to share their individual research.  Policy projects incorporate direct engagement with the issue, interviews with policy-makers, and the analysis of existing research. 

Special Features

Civic Learning Goals

• Civic Knowledge: Recognize the characteristics and actions of effective citizens; identify and describe the community in which they live; understand principles in the U.S. and Maine constitutions; identify local issues and their connections to issues on the national and international level; how to understand and apply their research and analytical skills to public and community issues.

• Civic Skills: Process and evaluate information objectively and accurately; apply information to solve social problems; assess the consequences of personal and professional action; use critical thinking and ethical reasoning to make informed and responsible decisions in a complex research project; develop skills in research, interviewing, and data analysis useful in promoting good dialogues about social and political policies.
• Civic Attitudes/Dispositions: Develop a willingness to enter into public dialogues and be tolerant of different points of view and perspectives; respect and show concern for the rights and needs of others; contribute to groups in civil society that offer venues for Americans to participate in public service and civic and political action.

Contact Information

Dr. Amy Fried
Associate Professor of Political Science
The University of Maine
113 A North Stevens Hall
Orono ME 04469 Amy.Fried@umit.maine.edu