East LANSING, Mich., January 13, 2025 – Today, the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) announced its incoming cohort of fellows for the 2025 calendar year. Twenty-four promising individuals from across the state make up the bipartisan class for the program, which will begin its 2025 session in February.
Founded in 1992, MPLP is managed by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) at Michigan State University (MSU). MPLP is intended to develop future political leaders here in Michigan. Over half of the program's graduates have gone on to be elected or appointed to positions in government. The program has been praised due to its bipartisan nature and was one of the first programs of its kind to train members of both political parties.
"Politics has become incredibly polarized across our nation and state," said Matt Grossmann, Director of the Insitute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Grossmann continued, "That’s why IPPSR is proud to sponsor MPLP, which seeks to educate Michigan's potential leaders on the issues our state faces and shows them how to build the type of bipartisan relationships our state will need to thrive in the 21st century. On behalf of MSU, I am happy to welcome our 2025 fellows."
Applicants to MPLP were reviewed by the program's co-directors, Former Republican State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker and Former Democratic State Representative Rudy Hobbs. In February, the twenty-four fellows will begin a tour of Michigan to discuss the state's significant issues and experience firsthand the diversity of Michigan's local communities.
More information on MPLP can be found here. A complete list of the incoming fellows can be found following this release.