The Applied Public Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) is an academic and service-learning program designed to provide a unique understanding of government and public policymaking through study, discussion and hands-on experience in local government agencies. APPLE is a learning community that enrolls selected students in a special curriculum of courses, field trips in the local community and service-learning internships in their fields of interest. Generally, students in the same group take some classes together and participate in the same workshops, seminars and extracurricular activities, thus having the opportunity to develop a special bond with other members of their group.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Incoming freshman (from any major) who are interested in earning academic credit while obtaining work experience, learning more about public policy and exploring community service opportunities are welcome to apply.
- A 2.5 or higher high school GPA and/or community leadership or extracurricular experience are required.
Course Schedule
First Year:
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| US 10001 University Orientation (1) |
ENG 10002 College English II (3)*
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ENG 10001 College English I (3)*
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POL 10300 Public Policy (3)
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| POL 10100 American Politics (3)** |
EXPR 20295 Service-Learning Contract (1) |
EXPR 10295 Service-Learning Contract (1)
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Second Year:
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| COMM 26000 Criticism of Public Discourse (3)** |
EXPR 30295 Serving to Learn, Learning to Serve (3)
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PHIL 21001 Introduction to Ethics (3)**
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and one of the following:
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POL 40992 Public Service (3) |
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POL 30450 Metropolitan Governance (3)
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POL 10301 Diversity in American Public Policy (3) |
* This course may be used to satisfy the LER requirement.
** This course may be used to satisfy the LER and diversity requirement.
Why Should I Join?
APPLE provides a learning environment that supports student success. The program will:
- give you real-world experience supplementing your academic training
- establish and improve your individual portfolio providing a competitive advantage in job placement and career development
- develop personal contacts for future professional use
- improve your knowledge and understanding of public policy process on local, state and national levels
- expand your awareness of potential career opportunities
Requirements
APPLE is a course-based program for four semesters offered through the Department of Political Science. The classes listed are required for each student participating in the learning group. Students will also be involved in collaborative curriculum-related field experiences to local government offices and public policy institutions; attend regularly scheduled political speeches, government briefings and other similar public events; participate in interactive workshops and seminars with students, faculty and public policymakers; and complete service learning projects.
Student mentoring and collaboration and faculty counseling are another key factor to APPLE. Students are also encouraged to fulfill all requirements for the Kent State Leadership Certificate Program as well as participate in either or both the Columbus Program in Intergovernmental Issues or Washington Program in National Issues in their third or fourth year.
Contact Info
Dr. Vernon Sykes
Director, Columbus Program in Intergovernmental Issues
330-672-8948
columbus@kent.edu
Fax: 877-682-4813
Dr. Richard Robyn
Director, Washington Program in National Issues
330-672-8944
rrobyn@kent.edu
Fax: 330-672-3362
Kent State University
Department of Political Science
302 Bowman Hall
Kent, Ohio 44242-0001
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