Welcome
Welcome to the North Shore Policy Lab (NSPL). We are an interdisciplinary initiative housed at Salem State University’s William H. Bates Center for Public and Global Affairs (link) within the Politics, Policy and International Relations Department (link). Through a hands-on approach, students registered in courses POL 390 Applied Policy Research and POL 419 North Shore Policy Lab Practicum, will work directly on real-world projects. Students develop and implement policy research makes a tangible impact on our communities.
Mission
The NSPL’s mission is to mobilize students and faculty to engage in applied public policy research, collaborating with local and state government officials, community organizations, and other stakeholders to address urgent public and social issues in the North Shore region. Through a hands-on approach, students registered in our courses work directly on real-world projects, developing policy proposals that aim to make a tangible impact on our communities. The Policy Lab encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing from diverse academic disciplines to solve complex problems and foster meaningful change. Our team includes faculty, students, and staff, all united by a shared commitment to strengthening civic life, environmental sustainability, and the social and economic vitality of our region. We invite you to learn more about our work and the ways in which we are shaping the future of public policy on the North Shore.