Final Competition
Sunday, April 21, 6 p.m.
Lake Forest College, Reid Chapel
Register Here (Virtual or In-Person)
Throughout the academic year, teams of students will examine the central issue presented by the 2024 edition of the Public Policy Analysis Challenge – Violence in America. Guided by insights from distinguished experts in the field, faculty mentors, and data analysis, each team will develop a specific recommendation to enhance public policy on a violence-related issue. On April 21, finalists will present their proposals to a live audience. A panel of four esteemed judges will determine which team has the best proposal. Teams will compete for $10,000 in prize money for first, second, and third place.
Our Emcee - David Castagnetti
A renowned public policy expert and strategist, David Castagnetti co-founded Mehlman, Castagnetti, Rosen & Thomas, one of the most respected and effective bipartisan government relations firms in Washington DC, and currently serves as a partner at Denton Global Advisors.
Before joining the private sector, Mr. Castagnetti served as Chief of Staff to two committee chairmen, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) of the Senate Finance Committee and Congressman Norm Mineta (D-CA) of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, contributing to some of the most important policy advancements in the areas of trade, tax, transportation, and technology.
Meet Our Judges
Dr. Dimple Patel
Licensed Psychologist and Board Member, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Illinois Chapter
Ms. Sodiqa Williams
General Counsel and Senior Vice President for Re-entry Services, the Safer Foundation
Ms. Char Rivette
Executive Director, Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center; Chair of the Illinois Children’s Justice Task Force
Our Final Student Groups
The Unspoken Threat: Youth Mental Health and School Violence in America
By Tobi Ellis, Andrew Rotering, and Gavin Smith
Mentor: Kent Grote, Assistant Professor of Economics
Lake County Parental Support For Safe Families Program
by Astrid Castro and Isabella Tello
Mentor: Stephanie Caparelli, Assistant Professor of Politics
Wheels to Wellness: Illinois Mobile Outreach and Overdose Program
by Georgia Tsakos, Vasilisa Vasilyeva, and Loreto Galvan-Alva
Mentor: James Marquardt, Professor of Politics