Explore How Government Works
The Student Public Policy Forum (SPPF) at Maricopa Community Colleges is a unique opportunity for students to learn how policymaking works and how to shape it. This experiential academic program gives students the skills and experience to meaningfully engage in government and public policy processes at the local, state, and national levels.
Students of all ages, backgrounds, majors, and political views are encouraged to apply. We value a mix of perspectives and the unique contributions each student brings to the program along with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and respect for others.
Program Requirements
In order to join the SPPF program, students must meet the following program requirements:
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above. Students in their first college semester must have a high school GPA or GED equivalency of 2.5 or above.
- Have successfully completed English 101 or equivalent by Spring 2027.
- Maintain a minimum enrollment of six credit hours at a Maricopa Community College during each semester of the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Register for the online SPPF section of POS285* in Spring 2027.
Political Science Class
*Political Science (POS) 285
In the Spring 2027 semester, all SPPF participants are required to register for POS285: Political Issues and Public Policy. This 3-credit online course has an SB (Social/Behavioral) general education designation and is transferable to any of the three Arizona public universities. This class will be for SPPF participants only—section number pending.
Program Details
Fees and Expenses
Travel to Washington, D.C. is still tentative. If the trip takes place, Maricopa Community Colleges will pay for some costs, including airfare and lodging. Students are required to have or acquire appropriate clothing and to pay for incidental expenses (meals, ground transportation, optional activities, and personal purchases). Additionally, students are responsible for the registration and tuition costs for POS285.
Hybrid/Online Participation
In addition to the in-person sessions, you are expected to be in regular contact with the program staff and your fellow students by using the online resources provided. These include discussion boards, online research, reading assignments, posting assignments, and on-line discussions (in both Fall and Spring semesters). The SPPF program and POS285 are hybrids, a combination of face-to-face meetings with online instruction.
Location and Transportation
Most SPPF activities are scheduled at Rio Salado College’s Conference Center. A few sessions will be off-site at a community location. Students are responsible for acquiring transportation to all scheduled SPPF activities.
Rio Salado College Conference Center
2323 W. 14th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Calendar
It is essential that applicants understand the program requirements and commit to participating fully in all program sessions and activities. Any student missing a required activity without prior approval from the faculty advisor will be dropped from SPPF. All in-person sessions take place on Friday afternoons from 1–4 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
*All dates, times, locations, and topics are tentative and subject to change.
In-person sessions, topics, and locations subject to change.
| Date | In-Person Session |
|---|---|
| October 16, 2026 | Orientation and Overview |
| October 23, 2026 | Education in Arizona and Public Speaking |
| October 30, 2026 | Arizona Executive and State Budget |
| November 6, 2026 | Civic Engagement |
| November 13, 2026 | Local Government and Layers of Government |
| November 20, 2026 | Arizona Legislature and Parliamentary Procedure |
| December 4, 2026 | Deliberation and Consensus Building |
In-person sessions, topics, and locations subject to change.
| Date | In-Person Session |
|---|---|
| January 22, 2027 | Federal Topic, Campus Project, and True Colors Part II |
| February 5, 2027 | Advocacy and Legislative Visit Preparation |
| February 19, 2027 | Arizona State Capitol |
| March 5, 2027 | Public Speaking and Final Federal Topic |
| March 12, 2027 | Pre-D.C. Preparations |
| Tentative: March 14–17, 2027 | Washington, D.C. |
| March 26, 2027 | Arizona Courts |
| April 9, 2027 | Review of Poster Project, LinkedIn |
| April 23, 2027 | Poster Review and Graduation |
Contact Us
Title
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo
Associate Vice Chancellor
Center for Excellence in Inclusive Democracy
480-731-8155
[email protected]
Title
Terri Desai
Assistant Department Chair
Political Science
[email protected]
Title
Brian Dille
Faculty
Political Science
480-461-7065
[email protected]
Title
Mike Ho
Student Services Manager
602-787-7308
[email protected]