Bradley student leaders join former U.S. House Minority Leader Bob Michel
at the inaugural reception and banquet for the Institute.
Programs
Visiting Speakers
What if our country, state, and local communities had more public servants who worked in a bipartisan and collaborative manner to find solutions to our most critical issues?
The Institute will invite national, state, and regional public service speakers to Bradley’s campus for the benefit of students and the community. On April 26, 2007, former U.S. House Minority Leader Bob Michel kicked off the speakers program sharing the principles in leadership that guided him during his 38-year distinguished career in the U.S. Congress.
Public Policy Symposiums
Each semester the Institute will hold a public policy symposium on important national, state, and regional issues. Top governmental officials and public policy experts will be invited to make presentations. On November 14, 2007, the first public policy symposium will cover the topic of the skyrocketing costs of health care and how we can provide access to preventative treatment for all Americans. Bradley students will benefit by interacting with distinguished leaders and participating in the implementation of
the symposiums.
Education
Congress in the Classroom
The Institute will facilitate this national, award-winning workshop for high school and middle school social studies teachers from across the country. Presentations will be made by congressional experts on trends in congress, upcoming elections, hot button issues and a wide range of other topics. Over 500 teachers from more than 250 school districts have participated in this fantastic program created by the Dirksen Center.
Scholarships
Funded by the Dirksen Center and sponsored by the Institute, the Ray and Kathy LaHood Scholarships for the Study of American Government will be awarded every year to selected Bradley students entering their senior year who are studying U.S. government and have a 3.75 grade point in their major.
Curriculum
What if every Bradley student graduated with a deep understanding and appreciation for our democracy and became engaged citizens?
Bradley has a strong history of providing leadership training through The Leadership Development Center housed in the Foster College of Business Administration, the Executive MBA in Leadership program, and the Lewis J. Burger Center for Student Leadership and Public Service, which promotes community volunteerism. The Institute will build upon this foundation by creating new courses for training ethical, bipartisan, and collaborative leaders for successful careers in public service. The Institute’s Implementation Team has representatives from all of the colleges at Bradley University.
As a first step, the Institute will add new classes under the Leadership Minor. In the fall of 2007 a Bipartisan Leadership class will be introduced, and, in the spring of 2008, a Presidential Leadership class will begin. Additionally, there will be a strong emphasis on public service internships to complement academic coursework.
Over the next several years, the Institute will closely research several national models and will tailor the curriculum to fit the Institute’s mission. Developing a new major in Leadership Studies in Public Service and offering certification courses in leadership for both students and the public will be explored.
Community Outreach
The Institute will collaborate with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce to hold two well respected programs on Bradley’s campus.
Community Leadership School
In 2008, the Community Leadership School (CLS) will hold its 33rd 12-week leadership programming series. Class members will interact with community leaders on critical issues such as crime, education, economic development, politics, arts, and diversity. In addition, CLS participants will attend behind-the-scenes field trips, will be involved in a team project to assist local not-for-profit organizations, and will enhance their knowledge of the area’s history and future plans for growth. Over the years, hundreds of key community leaders have benefited from the CLS program.
Political Leadership School
In 2005, the Chamber launched the Political Leadership School (PLS) to educate companies and organizations on effective communication strategies with governmental officials at the local, state, and federal levels. Classes run through the spring with two-hour sessions every other week. Class participants will have the opportunity to travel to Springfield and/or Washington D.C. to gain hands-on experience interacting with legislators.
Additionally, the Institute plans to hold leadership development workshops for community leaders and elected officials on the campus of Bradley University.