Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

Senator Paul Simon founded the Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University a quarter century ago to promote constructive public policies and civil discourse and to encourage students to consider careers in public service. 

On SIU Day, your gift to the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute helps fund these programs:

Public Affairs Internships: Help Saluki’s gain professional experience in state government and public affairs.  Institute interns work closely with their placement office to aid in research, office support and programming.  Internship are paid and offer internship college course credit. 

ALEXANDER LANE INTERNSHIP ENDOWMENT

Supports a scholarship to be awarded each year to at least one student every spring to work with a minority member of the Illinois General Assembly, providing the student with challenging and rewarding assignments.

GENE CALLAHAN GOVERNMENTAL INTERNSHIP ENDOWMENT

Provides students an internship opportunity in Springfield, IL to gain experience working with members of the state legislature, statewide offices, or state executive agencies.

LATINO HERITAGE INTERNSHIP FUND

Provides funding for a paid student internship for a minority SIU Carbondale student of Latinx heritage. The intern

works in the field of public policy, public service, or government. Internship placement is determined by the student’s

Scholarships: annual scholarships are available for students affiliated with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. 

BARBARA BROWN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

This fund was established by family and donors to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Barbara L. Brown, Ph.D., who taught at SIU Carbondale for more than 30 years. The fund provides scholarships to an SIU Carbondale student who articulates or demonstrates an interest in public service or public good during their education. The preference is for a female student with a diploma from a southern Illinois high school.

DAVID YEPSEN DIRECTOR’S AWARD ENDOWMENT

This award formalizes one of the first initiatives David enacted during his tenure. Donations to the Director’s Award both help our students and commemorate David’s contribution to Paul Simon’s living legacy.

EDWIN D. PHILLIPS SCHOLARSHIP 

Scholarship is for an undergraduate senior or graduate student affiliated with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute who plans to pursue a career in public service. 

JEANNE HURLEY SIMON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

This scholarship honors Jeanne’s life and legacy, and assists young women dedicated to public service interests and can be anywhere in the state.

MATT BAUGHMAN SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
Supports a scholarship to be awarded each year to a student at SIU who is engaged with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

MIKE LAWRENCE SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

Supports a scholarship to be awarded each year to a student who is involved with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute with a preference that the recipient is a member of the Student Ambassador Program, an African American, and highly involved in the SIU community.

GENERAL SUPPORT:

PAUL SIMON PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE ENDOWMENT

The Institute’s main source of revenue for operational and programmatic needs.

FRIENDS OF THE PAUL SIMON PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE FUND

To assist with expenses for operations, programs, and special initiatives as needed.

METRO-EAST YOUTH LEADERSHIP WEEKEND FUND

Supports annual leadership weekend activities on campus.  This program focuses on leadership development and community service while motivating and encouraging  youth to contribute to their communities and mark good choices.