Michigan Political
Leadership Program

The Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) at Michigan State University (MSU) recruits, trains, and inspires tomorrow’s public policy leaders, preparing them with vision, commitment, and the skills for effective governance.

In a multi-partisan learning environment, a diverse group of twenty-four individuals from across the state engage in a public policy and leadership curriculum. A unique concept not only in Michigan but also nationally, this ten-month weekend program incorporates practical politics, public policy analysis and process, personal leadership development, and effective governance. Since its 1992 inception, nearly 400 MPLP graduates have put the skills and relationships acquired through the program to work in their communities as candidates for office, as government officials, or as citizen activists.

MPLP is administered by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR), guided by an Advisory Board and directed by Dianne Byrum and Anne M. Mervenne. MPLP is a non-profit entity, supported by the MSU Office of the Provost, College of Social Science and IPPSR. Significant grant funding comes from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan and the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation of Midland, Michigan. Generous contributions from Michigan associations, corporations, labor organizations, MPLP alumni, and individuals are also instrumental in supporting this program which is aimed at improving political, governmental and volunteer leadership in Michigan.