Youth Policy Research Program (YPRP)
The Compass Civics Youth Policy Research Program is a mentorship-driven initiative that empowers youth to engage deeply with the policy-making process. Designed for youth civic leaders, the program provides a structured platform to transform observations into actionable policy solutions.
Spring '27 Application Launches in late November.
Skills You Will Gain
Through this program, students develop high-level skills in research, critical thinking, visual and verbal communication, and systemic civic engagement.
The Program Process
- Research an Issue: Identify a community challenge through evidence-based inquiry.
- Analyze Policy Options: Evaluate existing laws and propose meaningful alternatives.
- Create a Policy Brief: Draft a professional-grade document and short presentation.
- Present YOUR solution
- Share with Community Leaders: Present your findings directly to local decision-makers.
Jayden Kim
Program Director
Advisory
Rachael Rudis
Michigan State University
Shyla Sood
Harvard University '30
Application Overview
The Compass Civics Policy Brief Program is a rigorous and selective initiative for motivated middle and high school civic leaders, chapter leaders, and educators. This program is designed for those ready to commit to high expectations and meaningful civic contribution.
Commitment & Expectations
- Multi-week project involving intensive research and professional writing.
- Direct mentorship and rigorous feedback rounds with policy experts.
- Opportunities to present finalized work to influential community leaders.
- A commitment to academic integrity and collaborative advocacy.
Testimonials
Exploring the legacy of past fellows who have shaped community policy through rigorous research and civic advocacy. Here it directly from them before applying.
"Writing a publishable policy-brief. Even for a young person as civically engaged as I am, the thought of drafting a critical piece of work that holds the power to influence legislation and local, state, and even national politics is a daunting one. As over-zealous and strenuous as it sounds, Compass Civic’s National Policy Program made it an exceptionally painless, edifying experience that I will carry with me for the trajectory of my career in policy. Serving as a fellow for the inaugural cohort, I gleaned priceless insights from renowned guest speakers-including actual lawmakers and civic professionals, received sincere feedback-both lauding my hard work and offering constructive criticism to refine my writing, was introduced to a network of passionate young leaders who hold the future of our nation’s political climate in their hands, and learned invaluable lessons on writing impactful pieces of legislation. Living up to its name, Compass Civic’s National Policy Program truly guides its fellows by serving as a compass for their civic aspirations."
-AM'AGYN SPENCER, SUMMER '26
Am'Agyn Spencer
Omaha, Nebraska, USA
"Writing a publishable policy-brief. Even for a young person as civically engaged as I am, the thought of drafting a critical piece of work that holds the power to influence legislation and local, state, and even national politics is a daunting one. As over-zealous and strenuous as it sounds, Compass Civic’s National Policy Program made it an exceptionally painless, edifying experience that I will carry with me for the trajectory of my career in policy. Serving as a fellow for the inaugural cohort, I gleaned priceless insights from renowned guest speakers-including actual lawmakers and civic professionals, received sincere feedback-both lauding my hard work and offering constructive criticism to refine my writing, was introduced to a network of passionate young leaders who hold the future of our nation’s political climate in their hands, and learned invaluable lessons on writing impactful pieces of legislation. Living up to its name, Compass Civic’s National Policy Program truly guides its fellows by serving as a compass for their civic aspirations. "
-AM'AGYN SPENCER, SUMMER '26
Applications for the Fall '26 Cohort are now closed.
Fall 2026 Applications have closed. Look out for our Spring '27 Application in late November.