Why You Should Join the Arch Policy Institute, UGA’s Student-Run, Non-Partisan Public Policy Think Tank

Hello! I’m Kyleigh Cook, a third-year SPIA student majoring in political science with a minor in Law, Justice, and the State through the UGA School of Law. After graduation, I plan on working in public policy, a career interest I have been able to develop through my involvement with the Arch Policy Institute (API). As a student-run, non-partisan public policy think tank, API focuses on bringing together students from all majors to address Athens-area issues. Members participate in policy simulations, interact with community stakeholders and elected officials, and research and write policy for API’s Arch Policy Journal. In my experience connecting with alums and fellow students as a SPIA ambassador, I have found one thing that unites all SPIA majors: a fixed desire to improve the world around them in a meaningful way. So, why not start with your local community? Students can join API with no prior policy experience and leave with highly marketable research and writing skills, in addition to a demonstrated commitment to public service. In my time with API, I have forged friendships with like-minded students across disciplines, honed my communications skills while writing for the API blog, and connected with Athens-area representatives during API’s yearly trip to the Capitol. In my role leading API’s Criminal Justice Center, I will dive deeper into a specific policy area to identify new ways of addressing issues affecting individuals in Athens today. API allows students like me to apply their classroom knowledge and passions in a way that connects UGA’s resources to the broader Athens community. SPIA students are lifelong changemakers, innovators, and activists in training. In an era where national media and parties are driving attention away from local issues, SPIA students are poised to fill these gaps through policy creation and advocacy on the local level. Getting involved with API has allowed me to grow as a leader, a policymaker, and an individual, and I highly recommend this opportunity to fellow students!