ASPIRE Program

ASPIRE (Applied Social Policy Internship and Research Experience) is an eight-week summer program run by the Youth Policy Lab (YPL) at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and the Institute for Social Research to help rising college juniors and seniors develop quantitative social science research skills and a greater understanding about what it would be like to pursue a career in public policy research.

This program will provide hands-on experience in applied quantitative social science research. Students will 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. Participants will:

• Delve into one of YPL’s core policy areas (early childhood education, maternal and infant health, adolescent mental health, career technical education, or workforce development). Execute a guided student project with support from UM faculty/staff.
  
• Attend weekly professional workshops intended to align with and support student projects.
  
• Hear presentations from UM faculty and staff about careers in social sciences.
  
• Participate in meetings with YPL partners such as the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or the Michigan Department of Education with YPL staff.
  
• Socialize with YPL staff and other undergraduate students on campus for the summer
  
  

ASPIRE News Stories:

• Spelman students chosen for the Youth Policy Lab’s summer policy research experience (2023)
  
• Inaugural ASPIRE cohort enjoys rewarding summer research experience with the Youth Policy Lab (2023)
  
• Youth Policy Lab welcomes Spelman and Morehouse students to 2024 ASPIRE Summer Program (2024)
  
• ASPIRE program bridges research and real-world impact (2024)