Policy Impact Lab: A Conference for Future Leaders
Calling all undergraduate students: 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 for designed to connect you 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 students of all backgrounds and fields of study.
Why Attend?
Build Your Network
Connect with peers, alumni and professionals in Washington, D.C., the center of public policy and impact.
Learn from Leaders in the Field
Engage directly with policymakers, practitioners and industry experts shaping housing policy today, including Jake Day, Maryland's Secretary of Department of Housing and Community Development.
Put your skills to work
Work in teams win a policy solutions competition, with help from a Heinz College alumni mentor, and experience a Policy Innovation Lab workshop with Heinz College Professor Chris Goranson.
Prepare for What’s Next
Gain insights into graduate school, careers in public interest, and pathways to making meaningful change.
Who Should Apply?
This weekend is great for:
Undergraduate students interested in social impact. Students from all backgrounds—engineers to artists to computer scientists—should apply; the world's biggest challenges require many different perspectives to solve.
Students considering obtaining a graduate degree in the future
Emerging leaders passionate about solving complex societal challenges
What to Expect: Policy Impact Lab Itinerary
Pre-Conference (Virtual) | July 14
Kick things off with a virtual welcome session, team introductions and preparation materials to set you up for success.
In-Person Experience | Washington, D.C.
July 17–19 | Heinz College Washington, D.C.
Hall of States
444 N. Capitol Street NW, Suite 399
Washington D.C. 20001
Friday Evening: Welcome & Big Ideas
Conference kickoff and overview
Keynote address from Jake Day, the Secretary of Department of Housing and Community Development for the state of Maryland and a Carnegie Mellon University alum
Interactive conversation on affordable housing innovation
Networking reception and team icebreakers
Saturday: Learn, Build, Create
Expert panels featuring leaders from government, nonprofits and the private sector
Interactive workshops on policy innovation
Team-based Policy Hackathon to develop bold housing solutions
- Evening “Ask Me Anything” dinner with mentors
Sunday: Present & Launch Your Ideas
Team presentations to a panel of judges
Career and graduate school breakout sessions
Recognition of top teams
Closing keynote and networking