A Collaborative and Immersive Learning Experience
Michigan EPLP brings together a diverse cohort of mid-career professionals for a 10-month learning experience focused on education policy, leadership development, and real-world problem-solving.
Through monthly cohort learning and discussion sessions, fellows explore current policy issues, engage with influential policymakers and practitioners, and strengthen their leadership capacity.
The experience also includes collaborative learning teams, statewide policy engagement, and two national learning opportunities: the Regional Leadership Forum and Washington, D.C. Field Experience.
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The Three Program Strands
Three interconnected strands guide the Michigan EPLP learning experience, connecting public policy knowledge, leadership development, and professional relationships.
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How the Program Works
Michigan EPLP combines monthly cohort learning, collaborative projects, state policy engagement, and national experiences. Fellows also use online communication tools to stay connected and collaborate between sessions.
Fellows participate in monthly cohort learning and discussion sessions exploring current and emerging education policy issues. Sessions connect fellows with policymakers, government leaders, academic experts, and practitioners while incorporating leadership development, reflection, and interactive learning.
Each fellow joins a diverse learning team of 4–6 participants. Teams explore shared policy interests, collaborate throughout the program year, and develop a presentation for one of the monthly sessions.
This annual Day at the Capitol gives fellows an opportunity to explore policy issues before the Michigan Legislature and engage with state policymakers and government leaders.
Participation in both national meetings is required. The Regional Leadership Forum focuses on strategic leadership through experiential learning at Gettysburg and the U.S. Army War College. The Washington, D.C. Field Experience provides an up-close look at federal policymaking and its connections to state and local education.
2026-27 Program Schedule
Explore the schedule below for session dates, locations, and opportunities to engage with education policy at the state and national levels.
| Date | Topic | Location | Time |
| September 14, 2026 | Orientation | Kellogg Center, MSU | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| September 28, 2026 | EPLP Programming | Kellogg Center, MSU | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| October 8-9, 2026 | Regional Leadership Forum | Carlisle, PA | Multiple Days |
| November 2, 2026 | EPLP Programming | Kellogg Center, MSU | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| January 4, 2027 | EPLP Programming | Virtual – Zoom | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| January 25, 2027 | EPLP Programming | Virtual – Zoom | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| February 8, 2027 | EPLP Programming | Kellogg Center, MSU | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| March 1, 2027 | EPLP Programming | Kellogg Center, MSU | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| March 8-9, 2027 | DC Field Experience | Washington, DC | Multiple Days |
| April 12, 2027 | EPLP Programming | Kellogg Center, MSU | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| May 3, 2027 | EPLP Programming | Kellogg Center, MSU | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| May 13, 2027 | Day at the Michigan Capitol | Lansing, MI | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM |
| June 7, 2027 | Year-End Conclusion | Kellogg Center, MSU | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Michigan EPLP in Action
Explore short videos highlighting the learning sessions, policy conversations, and experiences that shaped the past Michigan EPLP program year.
Program Fees & Employer Sponsorship
$2,950 Program Fee Per Fellow
Each fellow's employing organization serves as their sponsor and is responsible for the program fee, travel expenses, and any special site-specific programming fees.
Employers also provide release time for on-site and national program activities. Program fees are invoiced early in the program year.
Application Instructions
Applications Open June 2027
When the Michigan EPLP application window reopens in June 2027, application instructions and a link to apply will be available here.
Prospective fellows are encouraged to discuss employer sponsorship, program fees, and release time with their organization before submitting an application.
