Discourse,
with Direction.

Discourse,


with Direction.

We are a forward-thinking Institute equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to revitalize democracy. As a part of this, we pioneer student-led, nonpartisan initiatives in the areas of policy, innovation, education, and discourse. By providing individuals with opportunities to engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences, we cultivate the next generation of civic-minded leaders.

Two pictures of YIP employees on the annual company Zoom call, smiling as they listen to yearly updates.YIP logo with circles showing team members in zoom calls
Foreign Policy
Strife and Autonomy: The Case of Nagorno-Karabakh

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is one a deeply rooted dispute that has plagued the South Caucasus region for decades. It can be traced back to the early 20th century when the South Caucasus region was part of the Russian Empire.

Breaking Chains, Building Futures: Policy Solutions for a Rehabilitative Juvenile Justice System

This brief explores whether the juvenile justice system accomplishes its goals of effectively rehabilitating youth offenders, or if it instead creates paranoia and instigates repeat offenders. It will recommend programs, practices, and legislation that could minimize the system’s incriminating effect on young lawbreakers and focus on rehabilitation.

Social Policy
An Evaluation of Education Policy in Florida

This brief delves into the intricacies of the current education policies being introduced in Florida. It evaluates the policies and what they mean. The brief also explains the far-reaching implications of the policies and how education will change for people across the board.

Isabella Rappaccioli
The Nicaraguan Poverty Problem: Addressing the Opportunity Gap Between Rural and Urban Communities and How to Move Forward

The following brief provides a comprehensive analysis of the poverty issue plaguing Nicaragua, including an evaluation of the historical causes leading up to the nation’s current socioeconomic state, past attempts to amend the issue, and a variety of potential solutions to work towards ending the current poverty epidemic.

Taylor Beljon-Regen
From Classrooms to Communities: Building and Funding Civic Engagement in K-12 Schools

Civic Engagement has been in decline in the United States, and therefore it is important to build educational programs that teach students in K-12 schools how to become civically engaged. The United States now faces issues with governmental trust, a lack of understanding of the machinations of government among citizens, and general polarization.

Hao Zhang
Navigating the Complexities of Remote Working Policies: An Analysis of its Effects

Remote work policies are becoming more common, but their implementation can be challenging. Navigating the complexities of remote work policies requires a comprehensive analysis of their effects on productivity, work-life balance, organizational culture, and employee engagement. This paper aims to provide a critical evaluation of the impact of remote work policies.

Featured Fellowship Capstones

The culmination of our fellowship program is a capstone project on a policy topic the fellow is passionate about. Check out some of our featured works:
Taylor Beljon-Regen
From Classrooms to Communities: Building and Funding Civic Engagement in K-12 Schools

Civic Engagement has been in decline in the United States, and therefore it is important to build educational programs that teach students in K-12 schools how to become civically engaged. The United States now faces issues with governmental trust, a lack of understanding of the machinations of government among citizens, and general polarization.

Isabella Rappaccioli
The Nicaraguan Poverty Problem: Addressing the Opportunity Gap Between Rural and Urban Communities and How to Move Forward

The following brief provides a comprehensive analysis of the poverty issue plaguing Nicaragua, including an evaluation of the historical causes leading up to the nation’s current socioeconomic state, past attempts to amend the issue, and a variety of potential solutions to work towards ending the current poverty epidemic.