The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, named for its founder, the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, embraces a mission that sets it apart in the world of public policy. While many of its peers are considered “think tanks,” at the Simon Institute we aspire to be — in the words of Sen. Simon himself — a “do tank.” We work directly with elected officials and others to shape policy and effect change, aiming for concrete actions and positive results.
The institute is a crossroads for ideas and people, welcoming noted leaders in government, journalism and other fields. It is a source for fresh, insightful public policy research and analysis. And it is a force promoting ethical conduct in government, opportunity and fair treatment for people in America and throughout the world, and engaged, effective citizenship — particularly among young Americans.
We fulfill this ambitious mission in several ways:
- Through exceptional educational opportunities — on-campus programming and off-site internships that provide SIU students with rare opportunities to work on real-world public policy issues with experts in the field and elected officials — plus civic education programs for high school students.
- Through engaging public events — symposia and lectures with guest speakers such as former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as well as other programs on campus and beyond tackling topics that range from school funding reform and term limits for Illinois elected officials to the interpretation and implications of the Second Amendment.
- Through standard-setting public opinion polling — including the widely cited Simon Poll™ and The Southern Illinois Poll™, which together inform decision makers, spark public discourse and guide analysis of policy.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Simon Institute’s founding, we are committed to continuing and building on the work our founder began, enriching our programming and extending its reach. New philanthropic investment in three areas of priority will be essential to our success.
Increased Scholarships
Sen. Simon was a strong believer in developing human capital through programs that enhance career opportunities for young people. With this in mind, we are working to expand, in number and value, the scholarships available to students involved with the institute. These scholarships are an instrument of opportunity. They help ease the burden of debt our students take on over time and reduce the financial pressures they face now, allowing them to focus on their studies and deepen their involvement in Institute programs. In short, scholarships advance the institute’s goal of educating and inspiring young people who will step forward as committed citizens and future leaders.
Expanded Opportunities
Among the most important of the institute’s programs are those designed to support and engage students from under-represented groups, in particular:
- The Alexander Lane Internship Program, which sends at least one student each spring to work with the Illinois General Assembly, providing the student with challenging and rewarding assignments. Lane, the first African American student to graduate from what at the time was known as Southern Illinois Normal University, embodies SIU’s tradition of serving a diverse student population, including disadvantaged and first-generation college students.
- The Latino Heritage Legislative Internship Program, which provides at least one student each year with the opportunity for a paid internship working with in Springfield during the spring legislative session. Students gain invaluable experience analyzing proposed legislation, looking at critical community issues and developing networking skills.
With additional support, the institute seeks to increase the number of students able to benefit from these career-building and life-changing experiences.
Deeper Community Engagement
At the Simon Institute, engagement with our community is integral to our mission, whether through forums, conferences and educational events; through public polling; or through our annual Leadership Weekend, which brings several dozen high school students from the “metro east” area of Illinois to campus for two days of activities. Initiated 14 years ago, the event focuses on developing the leadership potential of African American young men, reinforcing positive qualities, building skills, and increasing career awareness. The institute is committed to the ongoing success of these many events and programs and recognizes that the best way to secure that success is through stable support. For this reason, we are seeking new philanthropic investment in the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Endowment, a source of long-term funding for our programs.
