Center for State Policy and Leadership

The Center for State Policy and Leadership promotes the use of evidence-based policy and practice in the public sector.This Center’s mission is carried out through research that informs public decisions and understanding; internships, training programs, and applied problem solving that strengthens public leadership; and journalism that educates and engages citizens in public affairs. The Center:

CSPL Units

Child Protection Training Academy 

Helps to build a more competent and confident child protection workforce throughout the state of Illinois.

Graduate Public Service Internship Programs

Responsible for the development and delivery of The Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) Program, ranked as one of Illinois’ premier governmental internship programs, placing graduate students with state and local agencies.

Illinois Innocence Project

The Illinois Innocence Project (IIP) is dedicated to freeing innocent men and women imprisoned in Illinois for crimes they did not commit. We advocate on behalf of this silenced population by researching and investigating claims of innocence, and providing legal representation and other assistance to prove credible claims of actual innocence.

Illinois Institute for Public Finance

The Institute for Illinois Public Finance promotes systematic research on public finance issues and provides technical assistance for state and local governments.

Innovate Springfield

Innovate Springfield is a catalyst for creating a collaborative space and community where ideas ignite, businesses incubate, and entrepreneurs innovate.  We are Springfield’s first and only social innovation and business incubator.

NPR Illinois

NPR Illinois explains Illinois through multimedia public journalism and analysis to enable voters and opinion leaders to make informed decisions.  Rooted in a vision of community engagement and fact-based public policy discourse, its storytelling reflects the quality of life throughout the state and in relation to the nation and the world

Office of Electronic Media

Using video, audio, and emerging communication technologies to support the Center’s teaching and public affairs mission.

Office of Research & Evaluation

Develops and applies practical knowledge to improve public sector performance through research, evaluation, training, and internship programs.


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