The 2011-2012 Maine Policy Scholars met in the fall at the University of Maine at Augusta for a two-day retreat. Seven scholars representing each of the university’s campuses attended (left to right): Owen Cunnane, UMFK; Andrew Levesque, UMPI; John McLaughlin, UMA; Meredythe Lindsey, USM; Lucas Butler, UMF; Benjamin Goodman, UM; and Mikel Jaques, UMM. The scholars were joined by their faculty advisors and Maine Policy Scholars Program advisors Angus King and Elizabeth Mitchell. To kick off the retreat, scholars participated in a panel discussion on voting rights and responsibilities. Panelists included Representative Henry Beck, Waterville; Matt Dunlap, former Secretary of State; Lance Dutson, Maine Heritage Policy Center executive director; and Representative Stacy Fitts, Pittsfield.
The Maine Policy Scholars Program was conceived by the late Peter Cox and funded by many donors as a means of engaging students in the University of Maine System in the public policy process.
During the course of the academic year, one student from each of the System’s seven campuses, working with a faculty advisor and community mentor, tackles a real-life policy issue currently facing Maine. After conducting extensive research--which can be from the literature, data analysis, or interviews (or all three)--the Scholar is expected to produce a final report in the form of a memo to the Governor or appropriate policymaker which outlines the problem, the data available, and recommended policy solutions.
The topics can be local (energy conservation strategies for campus buildings, for example) or of statewide significance (such as strategies to keep Maine university graduates in-state). But in all cases, the topics should be well-defined, subject to research, and of real concern to Maine or a segment of its people.
During the course of the year, the scholars are expected to meet on at least three occasions as a group with all the academic advisors, community mentors, and leaders of the program. The first of these meetings in the early fall includes an initial presentation on the public policy process in Maine and an outline by each Scholar of the subject of their project and their proposed approach to the research. At this meeting, the advisors help to narrow the topic and suggest fruitful avenues for research and analysis.
At the second meeting, usually in mid-winter, the Scholars present their findings and preliminary recommendations. At this meeting, the advisors and mentors are encouraged to probe and question the assumptions and sufficiency of the research and conclusions and help the Scholars to focus their work.
Finally, in the late spring, the Scholars meet once again to present their reports. This consists of an oral presentation in the form of a briefing to a panel of policymakers, again focusing upon a succinct statement of the problem addressed, data assembled, and recommendations. Each of the final reports is forwarded to the Governor and other policymakers as relevant for their consideration.
The Scholars meet with their advisors on campus on a regular basis to focus the work, check progress, and get input on their research. Community mentors are not necessarily expected to be subject matter experts but serve as a link to the community outside the campus and as a “reality check” on the Scholars’ work. Scholars are expected to meet with the mentors on a regular basis throughout the year.
One of Maine’s most important characteristics is the openness of its public policy process. Legislators, the Governor, and local and state agency leaders are accessible and interested in practical solutions to real-life problems. The Maine Policy Scholars program is an attempt to give our students an opportunity to experience that process and at the same time make a meaningful contribution to our future.
The Maine Policy Scholars program is managed by the Maine Community Foundation with input from an advisory committee comprised of scholars, policymakers, and friends of the late Peter Cox. For more information contact Laura Armstrong Reed, Central Maine foundation officer, by e-mail at lreed@mainecf.org or by phone at (207) 564-3236.