Univ. of Chicago IOP Policy Challenge
The Dole Institute of Politics is partnering with the University of Chicago Institute of Politics to solicit undergraduate student-generated policy proposals for an inter-collegiate policy challenge competition on the topic, “Improving Health Outcomes, One Neighbor at a Time.” The winning team will represent the Dole Institute and the University of Kansas at the IOP’s national competition in February 2026 in Chicago. National competition winners will receive $500 per team member.
Questions? Contact the Dole Institute Student Advisory Board at dolesab@ku.edu with any questions you may have.
This is a national contest facilitated by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics. Learn more about the IOP and their programming by visiting their website.
Fall 2025 Policy Challenge
Improving Health Outcomes, One Neighbor at a Time
Rising health care costs, federal grant claw-backs, a slowing economy, proposed cuts to Medicaid and other factors are impacting local health care systems and the populations they serve. States and local governments have seen the curbing of infectious disease prevention and vaccination programs, a reduction in public systems and health care providers, the end of chronic disease management clinics and rural hospital closures. The backlash against science and medical experts is a further challenge to public health efforts.
Your challenge is to take on a health care issue within Kansas, Lawrence, or Douglas County and produce a program to address it. The issue and its solution can be large – the development of rural health care clinics – or small – say a new program using AI to track health outcomes in one small town or the enlistment of new messengers on disease management. All that matters is you explain how you will pay for it, and, if your plan requires legislative action, your political strategy for getting it done. Your proposal is limited to two pages. No policy experience is necessary, so be creative!
Key Dates & Deadlines
Below is a tentative timeline for this contest that includes all of the relevant information that is required at each step of this competition. If you have questions about anything in particular, please reach out to us at dolesab@ku.edu.
Before submission
Mentor Review
Before you submit your proposal, you are encouraged to share your proposal with faculty and/or policy experts to get feedback.
Nov. 17
Proposals Due
Submit your team’s proposal to Sarah Stacy by Monday, Nov. 17 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Dec. 1
Finalist Presentations
Named finalists will present their proposals on Monday, Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Following the presentation, one winning team will be announced.
Jan. 2026
Winning Proposal due to University of Chicago IOP
The winning team is required to submit their final proposal and slides to Sarah Stacy for your presentation at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.
Feb. 16
National Policy Challenge Super Bowl
Winning team from the University of Kansas presents their policy proposal at the University of Chicago.
Policy Challenge Rubric
All submissions of the 2026 Policy Challenge will be graded in the following categories and criteria.
Purpose
Have they clearly outlined how their team’s proposal will answer the challenge prompt?
Impact
Are all stakeholders identified and included in the development of the proposal?
Sustainability
Is it a realistic and long-term solution?
Process
Have they clearly identified a timeline, proponents, and opponents?
Creativity
Is this a fresh approach on the issue?
Financing
Does the plan clearly identify how it will be financed?
Presentation
Was the proposal well articulated? Were they able to answer judges’ questions fully?
Overall Quality
Is the problem well articulated? Are all the elements (need, evidence, solution, financing, method of enactment) included? Were citations provided?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can be on a team?
Each team can only have 2-4 students who are current undergraduate students at the University of Kansas.
What are the proposal requirements?
Your proposal must meet the following requirements: (1) Maximum of two, single-spaced pages; (2) Minimum 10 point font with standard margins; (3) Graphics and works cited do not count toward the page limit; and (4) Include this title page, as a 10 point deduction will apply if it is missing.
Can I revise my proposal or slide deck after submitting it?
No. Once a proposal and slide deck are submitted – both at the KU and Univ. of Chicago levels of the competition – you cannot submit any revisions or edits.
Is a slide deck required for any of the presentations?
No, but it is highly encouraged. Judges will read each proposal before the scheduled presentation, and visual aids can help clarify your ideas. This template is available for you to use, and can be customized within the format provided.
Can I change team membership after registration?
You can only remove teammates, but you are not permitted to add new members. Any changes in your team membership must be reported to Sarah Stacy at the Dole Institute.
What do the winners receive?
Each winning team member will receive $500. The winning team from the KU will represent the university at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics Policy Challenge Super Bowl in February 2026.
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