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, “Resetting K-12: Closing the Post-Pandemic Learning Gaps.” The winning team will represent the Dole Institute and the University of Kansas at the IOP’s national competition in February 2027 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 2026 Policy Challenge
Resetting K-12: Closing the Post-Pandemic Learning Gaps
American public school children have broadly failed to recover from large-scale disruptions to learning during the Covid pandemic, and states and local districts are struggling to help students pull out. Reading skills of American high school seniors are
the worst they have been in three decades, according to federal testing data, and many scored below basic math proficiency as well. The rise of heavy screen time and video-dominated media — which all predate the pandemic — has further eroded learning. The impacts stretch across well-funded districts to poor ones, across urban, suburban, and rural districts, and across racial divides. As the federal government retreats from its role in K-12 education, states and localities find themselves with both an obligation and an opportunity to right their respective ships. Mississippi has made remarkable improvements in reading scores, while most other states stagnate.
Your job as a policymaker is to uncover the barriers to similar student achievement and address them. Your solutions must be for state or local actors, but your canvas is broad. You can examine staffing, time utilization, discipline, instruction, accountability, curriculum, food insecurity, absenteeism fixes, approaches to reading instruction, teaching roles, classroom disruption and the like. Your solution must go beyond simply adding funding to existing programs, and if your plan requires political consensus — such as state legislation — you must explain how you will build it.
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.
Oct. 8
Zoom Information Session
Attend an information session on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 4 p.m., to answer any questions you may have about the Policy Challenge. This is optional and no registration is required.
Before submission
Mentor Review
Before you submit your proposal, teams are encouraged to seek out a faculty member or local policy expert to review their proposal and receive feedback.
To be announced
Finalist Presentations
Named finalists will present their proposals at a date and time to be announced. Following the presentation, one winning team will be announced.
Jan. 2027
Winning Proposal due to University of Chicago IOP
The winning team is required to submit their final proposal and slides to Ella Kumano-Maloney for your presentation at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.
Feb. 15
National Policy Challenge Super Bowl
Winning team from the University of Kansas presents their policy proposal at the University of Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people and who can be on a team?
Each team must have at least two (2) people, but no more than four (4). All team members must be KU students, and at least one must be an undergraduate student.
What are the proposal requirements?
All proposals must include: (1) A maximum of two single-spaced pages – the title page, graphics, and works cited section do not count towards this total; (2) Minimum 10pt font, and standard margins; (3) Any graphics and a works cited page; and (4) A title page – 10% will be deducted from your score if it is not included.
Can I revise my proposal or slide deck after submitting it?
No, once you submit your materials, you cannot submit any revisions or edits.
Is a slide deck required for the pitch presentation?
No, but it is highly encouraged. Judges will read each proposal before the pitch, and a visual aid helps clarify your ideas. View the resources section for a template.
Is there a presentation template?
Yes, a template is available in the resources section. You may customize slide styles within the format provided.
Can we change team members after registration?
You may remove teammates, but not add new members after registering. All changes must be reported to Sarah Stacy.
What does the winning team receive?
Each winning team member receives $500. Additionally, the team’s proposal will be sent to legislators working in the relevant policy area.
Resources
The Dole Institute is committed to universal accessibility in all programs and resources. We are in the process of making all of our web projects fully accessible. An accessible version of the material represented on this site will be made available upon request. Please contact us at doleinstitute@ku.edu to request the material be made available in an accessible format, or for general assistance.