Public Policy Institute

Engaging Voices, Changing Lives, Shaping Futures

Inspires Students to Make a Real Difference in Their Communities and in the World

From socioeconomics to education, healthcare to housing, and energy to the environment, the decisions of policymakers affect all our lives. Understanding the role we can play collectively and individually in shaping public policy is essential to our participatory democracy.

The interdisciplinary, innovative Public Policy Institute at Santa Monica College educates and empowers a diverse student body with the academic grounding and hands-on experience they need to become agents of change – whether they choose a career in public policy or simply want to improve their community and the world we share.

Through an annual symposium and frequent public forums with civic leaders, the Public Policy Institute also serves as a powerful force for engaging the community in dialogue on some of the most pressing public policy issues of the day.