Dole Institute Student Advisory Board members compete in the annual University of Chicago IOP Policy Challenge

April 10, 2026 - Features

by Nathan Binshtok | Student Outreach Coordinator

 On February 16, 2026, the University of Chicago Institute of Politics hosted its second annual Policy Challenge Super Bowl. After being judged by local experts, winning teams from seven universities across the US, including the University of Kansas, traveled to Chicago on President’s Day. This year’s challenge prompt was “Improving Health Outcomes, One Neighbor at a Time,” and tasked students with tackling a healthcare issue in their local community amidst rising healthcare costs, federal grant claw-backs, and a slowing economy. 

 Judged by Dr. Susan Monarez, former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the competing teams presented their proposals in the third-floor theater of Ida Noyes Hall. This year’s policies ranged from housing choice voucher reform to on-demand prescription lockers, and more information about this year’s policy challenge can be found on our website.  

The University of Chicago Institute of Politics Policy Challenge Super Bowl included participants from seven universities across the United States including the University of Kansas. Photo courtesy of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.

The University of Kansas team earned their place in Chicago after winning a smaller version of the same competition advertised across KU. This university-wide competition was judged by Donna Ginther, Roberts & Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics and Director of the Institute for Policy & Social Research, and Maynard Oliverius, former president & CEO of Stormont-Vail Healthcare. This year’s team consisted of three Dole Student Advisory Board members: Nathan Binshtok, Ella Rhuems, and Jacob McCarty, the latter two of which won last year’s policy challenge! 

During the event, students were given time to learn about other participant’s proposals. Photo courtesy of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.

The team arrived at the UChicago IOP in the morning, greeted by a breakfast mixer. Students were brought together for a relaxed morning of conversation and connection and given time to learn about each other’s proposals. In the afternoon, they attended a Pritzker Fellows Seminar featuring Nancy French, a best-selling ghostwriter and an expert on the intersection of politics and the Christian right. 

 After briefly touring the UChicago Campus, it was soon time for the competition. Each team was given five minutes to present their policy proposal, followed by three minutes of questions from the judge. After deliberations, Dr. Monarez offered detailed feedback for each proposal, and highly encouraged each and every team to pursue real world application of their policy.  

 Excitingly, the KU team once again took first place amongst undergraduate teams, and third place overall! Wrapping up with a celebratory dinner and group photos, the Kansas team left feeling inspired and full of new ideas to bring back home to Kansas. 

This year’s challenge prompt was “Improving Health Outcomes, One Neighbor at a Time,” and judged by Dr. Susan Monarez, former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Photo courtesy of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.

Before departing for home, the students made the most of their remaining time in Chicago. They revisited the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park and explored the sights along Navy Pier. The group also sampled several Chicago staples, including Vienna Beef hot dogs from Devil Dawgs, the classic cake shake from Portillo’s, and, of course, the city’s renowned deep-dish pizza. 

While in Chicago, students visited sights along Navy Pier, and revisited the Cloud Gate sculpture in Millenium Park. Photo courtesy of Nathan Binshtok.

The team would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics for the opportunity to participate in the competition, and to the Dole Institute of Politics for hosting the regional competition. While this competition likely marks the final appearance for these particular participants, we look forward to future collaboration in the years ahead. 

Nathan Binshtok is a third year student at the University of Kansas studying economics, political science, and data science. He is the Student Outreach Coordinator at the Dole Institute and has previously served as the Institute’s Pizza and Politics Coordinator. Nathan particularly enjoys Dole Institute events that focused on the legal field, such as The Counselors, as he plans on attending law school in the future. 

About the Dole Institute
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, a vibrant forum for civil discourse, civic engagement, and idea exchange across the political spectrum, features historical archives, exhibits, and public programs for all ages. Inspired by the public service of native Kansan, veteran, legislator, and statesman Senator Bob Dole and his wife Senator Elizabeth Dole, visitor galleries feature changing exhibits, the Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall, architectural-scale stained glass American flag, and September 11 memorial.