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About the Program

The James A. Baker III Policy Leadership Program offers premier opportunities for rising and established professionals to hone their abilities in crafting and advancing impactful policy solutions. Program participants leverage the Baker Institute's renowned nonpartisan expertise to address today's most pressing challenges.

Participants receive:

  • Instruction in policy research, analysis, and dissemination.
  • Deep understanding of decision-making dynamics and strategies that can be applied in complex political environments.
  • Access to Baker Institute experts and world-renowned policy professionals.
  • A network of like-minded, influential professionals.
  • Opportunities for cross-collaboration on co-sponsored grants and research projects.

The Institute offers seminars each spring and fall.

 

Get Started

Explore our upcoming seminars for 2027 below and click for registration details. For questions about enrollment, email Policy Leadership Program Manager Shiloh Miller ([email protected])

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Program Information

    Upcoming Trainings
    Texas statehouse
    Jan. 20 – March 24, 2027
    James A. Baker III Policy Leadership Program

    GovernTexas: Spring 2027

    See Details
    The front of Baker Hall, from across the plaza, with fountain in frame
    Aug. 31 – Nov. 16, 2027
    James A. Baker III Policy Leadership Program

    Policy Analysis and Communications Seminar: Fall 2027

    See Details
    Past Programming
    Alumni

    A Lasting Network of Leaders

    Participants join a growing network of accomplished alumni working at the forefront of policy, industry, and research. This community extends well beyond the program, offering ongoing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional connection with peers, faculty, and affiliated experts. Through this network, alumni continue to refine their work, exchange ideas, and contribute to meaningful policy conversations long after the program concludes.

    Aerial view of Baker Institute on Rice University Campus

    Alumni Spotlights

    Explore how alumni are applying their experience in the Policy Leadership Program to drive impact in their fields. This collection of alumni profiles and testimonials showcases the breadth of their policy interests and the ongoing contributions of our alumni to their communities and organizations.

    Learn More
    From The Director

    Why does the Baker Institute offer the Policy Leadership Program?

    At the Baker Institute, we believe that expertise should inform policy — but we also know that technical knowledge or field experience alone are not always sufficient to effectuate significant change.

    The Policy Leadership Program was developed to expand the practice of translational research and close the gap between deep subject-matter expertise and real-world impact.

    The Institute's work is grounded in a simple premise: those best equipped to lead in complex policy environments are those who can communicate effectively, engage across disciplines, and understand how institutions—whether they be social, political or economic—respond to and implement change.

    Our programs are intentionally small, cohort-based, and collaborative. They are designed to equip professionals with the skills, context, and confidence to navigate policy systems with clarity and purpose — whether they come from academia, science, civil service, or industry.

    In each of our offerings, the curriculum is practical, applied and responsive to the issues facing our communities—both in the Lone Star State and in cities around the globe. Our alumni produce high-impact research and evidence-based recommendations that contribute to critical discussions and leadership across energy, technology, public safety, and health. 

    We are proud to support a growing network of individuals who are not only experts in their fields, but who are actively building, and in some cases, rebuilding systems and leading with integrity.

    Thank you for your interest in the Policy Leadership Program. We invite you to explore what we’ve built—and to stay connected as we continue to grow.

    Victoria Jupp
    Program Director
    James A. Baker III Policy Leadership Program
    Baker Institute for Public Policy