Policy Categories

1. Education Policy

• Addressing educational inequality

• School funding reform

• Technology integration

• Teacher retention and training

• Special needs education

2. Social Welfare

• Poverty reduction programs

• Healthcare accessibility

• Housing affordability

• Food security initiatives

• Elder care systems

3. Environmental Justice

• Climate change mitigation

• Environmental racism

• Sustainable development

• Clean energy transition

• Conservation programs

4. Criminal Justice Reform

• Rehabilitation vs. punishment

• Juvenile justice systems

• Police reform initiatives

• Prison overcrowding

• Reentry programs

5. Technology and Society

• Digital divide solutions

• Privacy rights protection

• Social media regulation

• Cybersecurity measures

• AI ethics frameworks

6. Economic Development

• Job creation strategies

• Small business support

• Infrastructure investment

• Trade policy reform

• Income inequality solutions

Required Submission Materials

Policy Brief (2 pages, submitted 2 weeks before competition) Page 1 Requirements:

1. Executive Summary (150 words max)
    

   • Brief overview of problem and solution

   • Key benefits and outcomes expected

2. Problem Definition (300 words max)
    

   • Clear articulation of the issue

   • Statistical evidence of problem scope

   • Current policy inadequacies

Page 2 Requirements: 3. Proposed Solution (400 words max)

• Specific, actionable policy recommendations

• Implementation timeline

• Responsible agencies/parties

1. Budget Analysis (200 words max)
    

   • Cost estimates with sources

   • Funding mechanisms

   • Cost-benefit analysis

2. Expected Outcomes (200 words max)
    

   • Measurable goals and success metrics

   • Timeline for expected results

3. Potential Challenges (150 words max)
    

   • Anticipated obstacles

   • Mitigation strategies

Supporting Documentation:

• Bibliography with minimum 10 credible sources

• Data sources and statistical references

• Relevant case studies or precedents

Presentation Requirements

Visual Aids:

• Maximum 8 PowerPoint slides

• Professional design and formatting

• Clear, readable fonts (minimum 24-point)

• Appropriate graphics and charts

• No animation or sound effects

Presentation Structure (5 minutes):

1. Hook/Opening (30 seconds)
    

   • Compelling statistic or story

   • Clear problem statement

2. Problem Analysis (90 seconds)
    

   • Scope and impact of issue

   • Why current policies fail

   • Urgency of action needed

3. Solution Presentation (2 minutes)
    

   • Specific policy recommendations

   • How solution addresses root causes

   • Implementation strategy

4. Benefits and Outcomes (60 seconds)
    

   • Expected positive impacts

   • Measurable success indicators

   • Long-term benefits

5. Call to Action (30 seconds)
    

   • Clear next steps

   • Compelling conclusion

Q&A Session (3 minutes):

• Judges ask follow-up questions

• Defend policy choices

• Explain implementation details

• Address potential criticisms

• Demonstrate deep understanding