INLAND POLICY EXPLORERS PROGRAM
A Three-Day, All-Expenses Paid Public Policy Leadership Experience
Ready To Lead in Public Service? Start Here.
The 2026 Inland Policy Explorers Program (formerly Public Service Leadership Weekend) brings rising leaders to UC Riverside for an all-expenses paid, high-impact policy experience designed to prepare you for graduate study and careers in public service.
Where & When
University of California, Riverside
School of Public Policy
TBD
Riverside, CA
We pay for your travel, housing and meals so you can focus on the experience.
Who It's For
Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates attending
four-year
colleges and universities across Inland Southern California
who are exploring graduate study in public policy and aspire to address the region's most pressing public policy challenges through careers in public service.
What You'll Do
Engage in hands-on policy discussions, collaborate with peers on real-world challenges, connect with UC Riverside School of Public Policy faculty and students, and experience what graduate study in public policy looks and feels like
What You'll Gain
A stronger understanding of graduate study in public policy, meaningful connections with future policy leaders, and the confidence and skills to turn your commitment to public service into action.
Inside the Experience
High-level, student-friendly, and specific enough to picture yourself in the room
Explore the Challenge
Learn about the Inland Southern California's most pressing policy issues, meet your teammates, and begin investigating a real-world challenge.
Build the Solution
Leverage UC Riverside's research centers to analyze evidence, collaborate across disciplines, and develop an integrated policy recommendation.
Present Your Solution
Present your recommendation, receive faculty feedback, connect with alumni, and explore the next step toward graduate study and a career in public service.
Discover UCR's Research Centers Driving Public Policy Innovation
One of the defining strengths of UCR's School of Public Policy is its nationally recognized research centers. Through the Inland Policy Explorer's Program, you'll learn directly from the faculty, researchers, and practitioners tackling Inland Southern California's most pressing public policy challenges.
Center for Community Solutions
Learn how public policy starts with understanding the people, neighborhoods, and communities it is designed to serve
Center for Geospatial Sciences
Discover how maps, technology, and data reveal patterns that help solve real-world public policy challenges
Presley Center for Crime and Justice Studies
Explore how research can improve lives, strengthen communities, and shape a more effective justice system
Who Should Apply?
If you’re curious about public policy, public affairs, or graduate study and want an experience that helps you clarify what’s next, the Inland Policy Explorers Program is for you
You'll Explore "The Why"
You care about public policy and public affairs challenges and want to understand where you fit in, and what “impact” can look like in real life.
You're Building Your Toolkit
You want practical skills: evidence-based thinking, negotiation, leadership, and communicating solutions
You're Mapping Your Next Step
You’re considering internships, fellowships, or graduate school and want guidance and a network to support you
