If the phrase “A government of the people, by the people, and for the people” is going to mean anything, then the people (you and I) must understand and participate in the workings of our government.  This is why the Austin Community College Center for Public Policy & Political Studies (CPPPS) was created—to give you, the student, a positive opportunity to participate in the public policy process and to be involved in your government.
            Whether you realize it or not, government processes influence almost every aspect of your life. Decisions made through public policy can affect the quality of the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the standard of the life you live.  The work of the government is simply too important for any of us to ignore, or fail to make a thoughtful and dynamic part of our lives.
            A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt said that “this country will not be a permanently good place for any of us to live unless we make it a reasonably good place for all of us to live in.”  Through the Austin Community College Center for Public Policy & Political Studies, you will learn through internships, workshops, and forums, how to decide for yourself whether the world is a ‘good place to live in.’ And if you think it isn’t, you will also be given the tools to make the changes you feel are necessary.  The Center will not be the end of your education in the political process, but work with us, and we will give you an exciting, enjoyable, and above all, a great educational beginning.

Yours truly,

Peck Young
Director

ANNOUNCEMENTS
They are coming..!  Look out for the members of the new Center for Student Political Studies (CSPS) at a campus near you.  CSPC will serve as the student volunteer arm of CPPPS, and will engage students in workshops, forums, special events, communicatiions with elected officials, politically-themed field trips, Congressional Internship programs, and political campaigns.

Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11:00 am for a press conference introducing the new Austin Conservation Corps

Read about CPPPS’ most recent publication conducted by ACC Government Professor Stefan D. Haag on Voter Turnout in Austin City Council Elections.

Check out the winners of the 2nd annual student Art Contest that celebrates the Constitution.