Glenview's Schreiber among 1st policy certificate recipients

MADISON - Nicole Schreiber of Glenview was one of the first 19 students to receive a Certificate in Public Policy from the La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison this spring. The La Follette School's new program allows students to apply a public policy perspective to community and world events.

In May, Schreiber received a bachelor's degree in Political Science along with a certificate in Integrated Studies of Science, Engineering, and Society. The Certificate in Public Policy provided her with analytic, data, and communications skills for success in the workforce and as an engaged community member.

Founded in 1967 as the Center for the Study of Public Policy and Administration, the La Follette School is a highly ranked program that offers domestic and international master's degrees in public management and policy analysis. Students are admitted in comparatively small numbers that encourage collaboration with faculty, staff, and peers.

The La Follette School launched the undergraduate certificate program in 2019, with funding from the Kohl Initiative, a $10 million gift from former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl. In one year, the certificate program has already tripled from an initial cohort of 50 students to more than 150 for fall 2020.

During the Spring 2020 term, Schreiber also worked with La Follette School staff on the La Follette Forum on health policy and assisted with other outreach projects. The La Follette Forum was funded by the Kohl Initiative.

"More and more students at UW-Madison are seeking new opportunities to learn about the important role of public policy in everyday life," said La Follette School Director and Professor Susan Webb Yackee. "We are extremely proud of Nicole and the other recent graduates; they represent Senator Kohl's vision for evidence-based policymaking, respectful discourse, and service to others."