ASPIRE

ASPIRE (Applied Social Policy Internship and Research Experience) is an eight-week summer program run by the Youth Policy Lab at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and the Institute for Social Research to help rising college juniors and seniors from Spelman and Morehouse College advance their quantitative social science research skills, gain a greater understanding about careers in public policy research, and help establish connections to the University of Michigan.

Through ASPIRE, program participants gain an understanding of the types of applied questions social scientists pursue, the methods researchers use to answer these questions, and the ways in which research can influence policy, improve the delivery of services and, ultimately, improve the lives of people. During the summer program, students:

RESEARCH: Develop a research project in one of YPL’s core policy areas: early childhood education, maternal and infant health, adolescent mental health, career technical education, and workforce development.

LEARN: Gain quantitative research and statistical skills. Attend weekly professional workshops to deepen research knowledge.

COMMUNICATE: Develop effective written and verbal communication approaches to sharing policy research. Present research findings in a culminating public seminar.

CONNECT: Meet with university faculty and professionals in government, nonprofit, philanthropy, and the private sectors to discuss policy and research career paths. Enjoy excursions to Detroit and connect with other college students attending summer programs at the university.

WORK 1:1 WITH A MENTOR: Engage in weekly check-ins with a research mentor who provides ongoing feedback on individual projects. Shadow Youth Policy Lab project teams, and attend meetings with external partners and stakeholders.

ASPIRE quote from 2024 participant Jeremy Lowther

Eligibility:
ASPIRE welcomes rising juniors and seniors from Spelman and Morehouse Colleges with a demonstrated interest in exploring questions related to social policy. Strong candidates will have completed at least one introductory statistics class and engaged with social science research through their academic curriculum and/or a research assistantship.
Participants receive:
- on-campus housing & meals
- transportation to and from the University of Michigan
- $2,000 stipend
Applications are accepted in late winter (February/March) each year. If you would like to get on the list to be notified when applications are being accepted, email [email protected] with this request. Please include ASPIRE in the subject heading.

Forthcoming...
Summer 2024

Jeremiah Lowther (left)
Research: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health Challenges
Angel Lindner (right)
Research: Dating Violence and Mental Health Intervention among Black School-Aged Girls

Corinne Salter (left)
Research: Homelessness & School Resource Use in Detroit Public Schools Community District
Morgan Chambers (right)
Research: Engaging Minds: Understanding Depression's Role in Student Life and Mental Health Resource Awareness

Chaelee Farquharson (left)
Research: Adolescent Stigma, Parental Support, & School Counselor Use
Khalil Bucknor (right)
Research Interest: Child Welfare/Foster Care, Mental Health

Summer 2023

Keyla Anderson (left)
Research Question: Do school discipline perceptions in Detroit public schools vary by suspensions & contact with the criminal legal system?
Theo Burden (right)
Research Question: How does adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to barriers of mental health services for students in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD)?

Aleasa Parker (left)
Research Question: What are the marital status and ages of mothers who have three or more home visits for Maternal and Infant Health Program?
Lexi Turner (right)
Research Questions:
- Larger Policy Question: How can public school districts foster better environments that promote healthy identity formation?
- Targeted Research Question: How do students self reported mental health challenges relate to their peer perceptions?

News

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ASPIRE program bridges research and real-world impact

Youth Policy Lab welcomes Spelman and Morehouse students to 2024 ASPIRE Summer Program

Inaugural ASPIRE cohort enjoys rewarding summer research experience with the Youth Policy Lab

Video and Photos

Corinne Salter discusses her experience as a 2024 ASPIRE participant

Sep 4, 2024| 00:58

Corinne answers questions about why she applied to ASPIRE and what she studied during the program. She offers advice to prospective students and...

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ASPIRE 2024 final presentation group photo

This summer's ASPIRE students present their final research presentations in front of the Ford School Youth Policy Lab staff and guests.

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Washtenaw Commission Chair and University of Michigan Professor Justin Hodge shared a discussion with this summer's ASPIRE students.

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ASPIRE students at 2024 Welcome Reception with Dean Watkins-Hayes and others

The Ford School welcomed their newest group of ASPIRE students for the Summer 2024 months. Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes greeted the new students before the students and staff all took time enjoying snacks and getting to know each other.

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