Institute for Civics and Public Policy

Welcome to ICAPP

Our students are in the news and busy with various outreach activities: Podcast,��Policy Briefs, and��Critical Question Series.

We are excited to use our collective expertise to serve citizens throughout the region. ��We will do this through research on public policy issues to help citizens better understand those issues. ��We pay particular attention to policies affecting citizens throughout the Industrial Midwest. ��

The ICAPP is a natural extension of Ohio Northern’s founder, Henry Solomon Lehr. ��He envisioned a university where its graduates would take their knowledge, skills, and intellect into the world to serve the larger society. ��This has been a staple of an ��Ƶ education. ��The ICAPP supports Lehr’s vision through intentional programming and collaboration between faculty and students. ��

We believe an informed citizenry is necessary in a representative democracy. ��Toward this end, we will conduct public opinion polling, produce policy briefs, and engage the public in a variety of ways. Theodore Roosevelt believed that “the average citizen must be a good citizen if our republics are to succeed.” ��This gets to the heart of our mission--to promote good citizenship.��

��

Follow Us!

Our students are doing some amazing things. Follow us on social media to begin to experience all ICAPP has to offer and see that you can fit in here!

��

Students helping others register to vote

Institute for Civics and Public Policy Scholarship

The Institute for Civics and Public Policy (ICAPP) Scholarship is awarded to students with a passion for civics, public policy or public service. ICAPP Scholars will have unique opportunities to pursue a variety of programs sponsored through the Institute for Civics and Public Policy at Ohio Northern University.

Each year, a select group of incoming students will be named ICAPP Scholars and awarded a renewable annual scholarship of $1,000 that is in addition to any other scholarship aid that is awarded.

Eligibility Criteria:

New and continuing full-time students
Strong academic ability as evidenced by high school performance
Demonstrated passion for civics, public policy, or public service and potential for leadership

Ohio Northern University application for admission and supporting materials submitted by March 1st.

Support that has impact

ICAPP is an innovative and bold initiative at ��Ƶ. The heart of our mission is to promote good citizenship by being an important resource for policy makers and citizens throughout the region.

Give

Mission

The Institute for Civics and Public Policy (ICAPP) at Ohio Northern University is a non-partisan, education based community of scholars��dedicated to conducting high-quality research to support civic literacy and an informed understanding of public policies with a focus on those issues affecting citizens in the Industrial Midwest.��

Fall leaves decorate the campus of Ohio Northern University.

Student studies with peers in the library.

Critical Questions

The ICAPP's "Critical Questions" series examines a wide range of relevant and timely topics commanding the public’s attention. Written by ICAPP student fellows and faculty, the series provides objective research regarding emerging issues for people to consider.

Un-Capp It!

Carmen and Abigail, ICAPP Fellows and students at Ohio Northern University, un-cap today's current events. Through their Gen-Z lens and interviews with a variety of experts, they take an in-depth look at political topics facing today's society.

ICAPP In The News

From op-eds in national publications to radio spots on local stations, ��Ƶ professors and students are making the news for their expertise and research on issues at the forefront of public concern. Check out our recent media coverage!

Policy Briefs

As part of ICAPP’s mission to conduct "high-quality research to support civic literacy and an informed understanding of public policies,” ICAPP supports the publication of Policy Briefs examining timely and topical areas of interest designed to provide policymakers with data-driven analyses to inform their decision making. This research is often conducted under the direction of a faculty member with the assistance of students.

A statue of Klondike stands at Ohio Northern University’s Dial-Roberson Stadium.

Graduate speaker talked to a crowd of students during honors day.

Support our mission

The ICAPP weaves together ��Ƶ faculty expertise with student learning and projects through outside governmental, non-profit, business, and media organizations. If you are interested in supporting our mission through funding, grants, internships, job shadowing opportunities, special projects, or by being a guest lecturer, please contact our admissions team.

Contact Admissions

Prepare for your ideal career

Want to tackle the crucial issues of our times? Choose a career path in civics or public policy. You could help to shape the politics and policies around healthcare, education, climate change, criminal justice, local governance, international relations and much more! Ohio Northern offers several degree programs (both majors and minors) for students interested in careers in the public sphere.

�������Ƶ