UNC undergraduates do not often get the opportunity to bounce their ideas off professionals and professors for real world issues and compete for $1,000 at the same time.
That is just what the Public Administration Leadership Challenge, a case competition held at UNC’s School of Government, aims to provide for undergraduate students from across the University.
Graduate students working to earn the Master of Public Administration degree are planning the third PAL Challenge. Applications are due Oct. 31 at 5:30 p.m.
“This program helps to bring some awareness to public administration and the important role played by the School of Government and MPA program in that field,” said graduate student Nicholas Byrne.
Many of those planning the competition agree that a successful team will be diverse, passionate, and show keen decision-making ability. These are the types of students that the School of Government seeks to attract, said Eric Reese, program director and second year graduate student.
In addition to holding competitions such as this one, the Master of Public Administration program plays a role in teaching and molding future lawmakers, government officials, and other professionals who will shape North Carolina’s government.
“Many folks don't realize the important role played by the MPA and School of Government community to bolster good government in our state,” Byrne said.
Program coordinators say undergraduate students also stand to gain from participating in this competition, even if they aren’t a part of the prize-winning team.
“The money is certainly great, but the biggest thing is to be able to introduce yourself to the School of Government,” said first year MPA graduate student Omar Kashef.
