NC Summer Policy Institute
Summer Policy Institute aims to support North Carolina’s next generation of public policy leaders by bringing together young adults, who are rooted in the state, to participate in a multi-day exploration of top policy issues.
Through networking and learning with their peers, local policy experts, and state officials, we aim for NCSPI to be an opportunity for young people to chart a pathway that deepens engagement and leadership with the policy and systemic change work needed to advance well-being in North Carolina.
SPI Fact Sheet
Here's an overview of the Summer Policy Institute program, including our approach and how we measure success.
History
The NC Summer Policy Institute (NCSPI) was created in 2017 by Brian Kennedy II and Chanae Wilson. NCSPI is a concept reworked from Oklahoma’s Summer Policy Institute model.
Since the program’s implementation, our event has served as an opportunity for students to broaden their understanding of the tools and tactics needed to contribute to the policy process, as well as gain access to graduate programs, fellowship opportunities, and greater connections with leaders across the state.
- 92: Number of young people who have gone through the SPI program as of 2024
- 22: Number of NC colleges and universities SPI participants have come from, including two women’s colleges and four historically Black institutions.
- 107: Number of leaders engaged with SPI from different sectors across the state, including public sectors, nonprofits, and business owners in NC.
About Summer Policy Institute
The NC Summer Policy Institute is a four-day program for students in undergraduate programs, recent graduates, or other young people ages 18-25 who are interested in getting involved and learning more about public policy in North Carolina.
During the event, participants will:
- Learn how to analyze data to find policy solutions through the group policy projects.
- Gain a better understanding of public policy in our state through current and historical examples.
- Learn how to engage in advancing systems or policy change in our state.
- Connect with key leaders and organizations through networking opportunities.
- Become a part of a network of young movement makers who are dedicated to seeing NC thrive!
We aim to create a warm, inviting, and intentional space for attendees to connect and learn together! There is a lot happening during SPI week, but the most important part of this experience is creating a space safe for you to explore and learn. That means creating space to get your input, reflecting, and adjusting to make sure everyone can be present!
Frequently Asked Questions
Timeline
The program lasts for four days during the summer. All four days of the NC Summer Policy Institute (NCSPI) are packed with activities, panels, and workshops for participants. Accepted participants will receive a detailed agenda as we draw closer to the event.
Everyone who attends NCSPI is provided lodging, food, and travel stipends for transportation to and from the event (limited for in-state travel).
Eligibility
Young adults ages 18-25 in North Carolina who are interested in building their leadership skills and knowledge in public policy are encouraged to apply! Eligible applicants include students in undergraduate programs, recent graduates who are not enrolled in graduate programs, and other young adults working in North Carolina.
You do NOT need to be enrolled in college or university to be eligible for our program.
More Questions?
Email Selene, our Community Building Assistant, all your questions and concerns at [email protected]
Meet our 2025 NC SPI Cohort
Ellie Acree
- Lewisville, NC | Forsyth County
- Senior at UNC Greensboro
Lily Andresen-Simmons
- Hendersonville, NC | Henderson County
- Senior at Elon University
Jaelyn Banks
- Greensboro, NC | Guilford County
- Senior at North Carolina A&T State University
Jamie Bueno Ceballos Jr.
- Roxboro, NC | Person County
- College Access Professional | Incoming Master of Social Work Graduate Student at UNC Chapel Hill
Murphy Davis
- Elon, NC | Alamance County
- Junior at Elon University
Chloe Decker
- Murphy, NC | Cherokee County
- Incoming 1L Student at UNC School of Law
Ariona Elkins
- Asheville, NC | Buncombe County
- AmeriCorps Lead for North Carolina Fellow with the UNC School of Government at the Town of Murphy
Nyla Hankins
- Raleigh, NC | Wake County
- Senior at North Carolina A&T State University
Taylor Horne
- Durham, NC | Durham County
- Bilingual Literacy Coach at Book Harvest
Paula Urquia Hernandez
- Durham, NC | Durham County
- Senior at North Carolina Central University
Sophia Isabelle Harris
- Concord, NC | Cabarrus County
- Student at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Jana Matthews
- Holly Springs, NC | Wake County
- Environmental Justice Funding Coordinator at Blueprint NC & Senior at UNC Chapel Hill
Magdalena Miguel
- Candor, NC | Montgomery County
- Recent Graduate of Wake Forest University
Sierra Nesbeth
- Morrisville, NC | Wake County
- Senior at UNC Chapel Hill
Tania Perry
- Greensboro, NC | Guilford County
- Recent Graduate of North Carolina A&T State University
Emmanuel Ramirez
- Gastonia, NC | Gaston County
- Sophomore at NC State University
Alyssa Robb
- Wilmington, NC | New Hanover County
- Community Health Worker at MedNorth Health Center
Olu Rouse
- Rolesville, NC | Wake County
- Junior at North Carolina A&T State University
Zachary Tucker
- Durham, NC | Durham County
- Senior at UNC Chapel Hill
Words from our SPI Alumni
L. Wesley, SPI 2017
“This was an excellent experience. I learned a great deal from the attendees, as well as the staff and speakers. My knowledge base about policy was expanded, as well as a renewed fervor to see social change. I am better for having attended NCSPI. I am grateful to have been a part of such a great assortment of people.”
A. Janz, SPI 2019
“I loved SPI! Honestly, I cannot recall ever having learned as much in four days as I did during SPI! I think that SPI helped me gain a much stronger feel for what full-time policy and advocacy work looks like, particularly at the state level, and I hope to draw on this understanding as I begin to consider how I can best promote just policies during my career and in the future.”
K. Marroquin, SPI 2022 & current BTC Communications Coordinator
"I enjoyed connecting with folks from all over NC at the orientation and learning more from the leaders invited during the breakout sessions. It was great to get that one-on-one time to talk to these incredible advocates and receive more information about the budget process and policy making in NC."