Policy Impact Lab: A Conference for Future Leaders

Calling all current undergrads, recent graduates, and individuals considering applying to graduate school: Meet new friends, learn from policy makers and put your problem-solving skills to the test! Join us in the nation's capital for the 2026 Policy Impact Lab, a hands-on conference designed for you to connect with like-minded peers and learn from real-life practitioners. Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, this weekend event in Washington, D.C., is the perfect complement to a summer internship. This event is free and open to people of all backgrounds and fields of study. The immersive weekend is perfect for future public service leaders to come together to learn, collaborate, and solve problems that matter, specifically focusing on housing affordability. Attendees will engage with current graduate students, policy experts, and Heinz College faculty and alumni for expert panels, interactive workshops, and a hands-on Policy Solutions Lab.