Accomplishments
Timeline
Many of these organizers have their hands full dealing with day to day immediate needs of the communities they serve... And this is an area where the devoted efforts and research of a team of college students can really push forward something that a coalition might not have the manpower to do. — Patrick Aimone, Founder of SPN, 2021
2026
Student Policy Network Launches Inaugural Research Showcase in Washington, D.C.
Over the course of two days, students presented research on artificial intelligence, housing affordability, and labor rights to policymakers in D.C. The experience provided members with substantive feedback and an opportunity to contribute to ongoing policy discussions on some of the most pressing challenges facing their generation. On their first day in the capital, students headed to the Hill, meeting with the offices of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, Senator Lisa Blunt-Rochester, Senator Jeff Merkley, Congressman Paul Tonko, and Congressman Pat Fallon. The next morning, they discussed their work in a symposium-style format at Notre Dame’s Washington office, where Congressman Tim Kennedy gave the keynote address. Supported by the Rooney Democracy Institute, the event brought together congressional staff, policy experts, alumni, and partner organizations to engage directly with students' findings and recommendations.
Notre Dame Students Present Research to Policymakers, Alumni
Students' Work Featured in EPI Article on Labor Rights
In its analysis of the Faster Labor Contracts Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in June, the Economic Policy Institute integrated SPN research on collective bargaining.
U.S. House Passes Significant Union Legislation - EPI
SPN Hosts Flash Panel on AI Policy For Junior Parents' Weekend
SPN organized its first campus-wide panel, bringing together student researchers and faculty to discuss how artificial intelligence will reshape education, governance, and society. The event underscored SPN’s commitment to engaging the entire Notre Dame community on emerging policy challenges.
2025
Indiana Environmental Project Receives the Dorothy Buell Youth Environmental Award
Save the Dunes, one of the oldest environmental nonprofits in Indiana, recognized a group of SPN members for years of substantive research on conservation issues. The organization stated that SPN has demonstrated "exceptional dedication to environmental stewardship and policy engagement," highlighting the caliber of students' analysis.
Save the Dunes honors Notre Dame student group - Chicago Tribune
Student Work on Land Value Tax (LVT) Published by the Center for Land Economics
The Center for Land Economics, a think tank that advocates for a land-based tax system through engagement with state and local officials, highlighted SPN research on South Bend as a case study for effective land use. It published the team's report on its website and included their analysis in its substack, Progress and Poverty.
Case Study: South Bend - Center for Land Economics
SPN Members Host National League of Cities Webinar on Municipal Healthcare Benefits
As municipalities work to stay competitive in attracting and retaining top employees, managing rising healthcare costs while offering valuable employee and retiree benefits has become increasingly challenging. In this webinar streamed to local officials nationwide, Notre Dame students presented practical strategies for optimizing municipal benefits to support workforce recruitment and retention while effectively managing employer costs.
Webinar: Optimizing Municipal Healthcare Benefits - NLC
2024
Economic Policy Institute Publishes SPN Research on Wage Theft
Students with the Notre Dame Student Policy Network (SPN) were recognized in a new report by the Economic Policy Institute detailing the prevalence of wage theft and relevant federal, state, and local policies to combat it. Senior policy analyst at the Economic Policy Institute Margaret Poydock commended the work of Notre Dame students in preparing the report, calling their efforts "an integral part of the research conducted for the report and our team’s understanding of the state policy landscape."
Report: More than $1.5 billion in stolen wages recovered for workers between 2021 and 2023 - EPI
First Experience in Policy (FEIP) Trains Freshmen to Make an Impact
In response to a record number of applicants for SPN projects in Fall 2024, the SPN Executive Board launched the First Experience in Policy Program (FEIP) to provide first-year students with the training to research and write effective policy products. Over the course of the semester, board members and guest speakers presented on various policy skills, and all participants submitted a white paper as a final deliverable to showcase their knowledge.
2023
Life Outside Reentry Project
Students with SPN’s Life Outside Reentry Assistance project researched the legislative barriers and systemic inequalities facing individuals post-incarceration. The project culminated in a presentation and interactive simulation illustrating the real-world challenges of reintegration, including securing employment, housing, and healthcare.
Life Outside Reentry Simulation — NDSMC Observer
Driving Privilege Card Project
SPN students advocated for an Indiana Driving Privilege Card that would allow undocumented residents to drive legally. Their research, compiled in a 47-page white paper highlighting benefits like improved traffic safety and economic growth, was presented to legislators and advocates via a public webinar and ultimately contributed to the advancement of Indiana State Bill 248 out of committee.
Report Shows Driving Cards for Unauthorized Immigrants May Help Indiana's Economy — IndyStar
Dwayne Jones v. Jamaica Project
SPN students drafted a 20-page amicus brief for Dwayne Jones v. Jamaica, a case involving the unlawful persecution of a transgender individual. The brief was submitted alongside filings from Human Rights Watch and Debevoise & Plimpton, passed through the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights review process, and is currently awaiting review by the Jamaican government.
Student Petition to Prosecute and Investigate Dwayne Jones' Murder — NDSMC Observer
2022
Maternal Morbidity and Health Disparities Project
In collaboration with EverThrive and other public health nonprofits, SPN students researched disparities in maternal health outcomes across the U.S. The team produced a white paper and visual presentation proposing solutions that integrate medical and social perspectives to improve maternal healthcare access and reduce adverse outcomes.
Maternal Mortality and Health Disparities — Birth Center of Chicago
Prosperity Indiana & Hoosier Housing Needs Project
In partnership with the Hoosier Housing Needs Coalition and Prosperity Indiana, SPN students researched and advocated for housing policy reform in Indiana across multiple semesters. Their work addressed tenants’ right to repair, eviction sealing, legal representation, rent escrow practices, and expanded tax credits. Students presented their findings at the state capital building in Indianapolis to legislators, with local media present. The project received coverage from multiple Indiana-based and national outlets.
Indiana Needs More Tenant Protections — NPRReport Raises Concerns over Affordable Housing — Fox59Report on Tenant Protections in Indiana — Prosperity IndianaReport on Housing in Indiana — GIMAReport on Tenant Protections — GIMAImpact Analysis on Tenant Protections — Eviction Prevention ProjectState Senator Outlines Legislation for Stronger Tenant Protections — NPR
2021
Isabel dos Santos Global Magnitsky Act Sanction Project
SPN students, in conjunction with the Notre Dame Washington Program, submitted a 20-page dossier to Human Rights First documenting corruption and mismanagement of Angolan funds. In December 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced travel sanctions against two Maltese officials and the daughter of the former Angolan president, marking a direct outcome of the team’s policy advocacy.
Fighting to End Corruption — Video International Impact — ND Stories
2020
Student Policy Network Launched
The Student Policy Network was founded in 2020 by Greg Miller and Patrick Aimone to address a gap in public policy opportunities for Notre Dame undergraduates. SPN connects students with partner organizations to pursue policy research and advocacy, providing real-world experience while bridging academic work and career exploration.