The Center for Policy Practice

Practica

Program Description

Occurring during the academic year, practica are faculty-supervised group projects initiated by client organizations for which students receive course credit at the project's completion. As with group internships, the Center's staff works with client organizations to design practica that are feasible and effective in meeting the goals of both the School and the client. Practica are typically designed for three to four students, providing each student 8 to 10 hours of work per week on their particular project. This work is typically done off the client site, although students communicate regularly with agency staff throughout the project and may meet occasionally as well.

Through well-defined team projects, students are able to analyze and evaluate programs, develop and administer surveys, conduct needs assessments, and engage in other policy-relevant research programs. Client agencies are able to use practica to enhance their own organization's work, often to accomplish projects that agencies do not have resources to address.

Recent organizations with which the Harris School has partnered include the Illinois Department of Revenue, Action for Children, Cook County Assessors Office, and Ceasefire Illinois.

Get Involved

Students
All Harris School M.P.P. students will be informed of practicum opportunities via email and the CPP website, approximately one month prior to course registration each quarter. Any specific information or requirements for practicum registration will be provided at that time. All students participating in a practicum must enroll in the course for the quarter, as it counts as an elective and one of three courses taken in a given quarter. If students have any questions about practica, they should contact CPP staff.

External Partners
CPP staff will work with your organization to shape projects, determine feasible timelines and deliverables, and clarify what support will be required and provided to the project. Because of the short time frame for these projects (ten-week academic quarters) it is essential that projects are ready for students to begin work immediately at the start of the quarter. Therefore, all plans for practica should be finalized at least one month prior to the beginning of each academic quarter. The Fall Quarter generally begins in late September, Winter Quarter in early January, and Spring Quarter in mid-March. If your agency or organization would benefit from working with the Harris School on a practicum, please contact CPP staff.

Recent Practica

Read summaries of past projects.