At PPI, our student research assistants continually provide quality input and analysis on key policy issues facing the state of Indiana and beyond. As we approach another election year and Indiana voters prepare to return to the polls to elect new leaders for our state, we believe it is important to highlight issues our research assistants believe are important for voters to understand. To educate voters, they prepared policy briefs on homelessness, food insecurity, and LGBTQ rights. While PPI staff assisted the authors with basic editing—such as length, readability, and structure—the views expressed in these briefs represent the authors’ research, analysis, and conclusions. They are important voices in the public policy dialogue. However, the articles do not represent the research or authorship of PPI or PPI staff. Learn about their work by reading the policy briefs below.
Featured student authors
As a Master of Social Work student, it’s inspiring to not only explore themes of equity in our work but also see how they are advanced through local community action. It’s rewarding to work with the people behind all of the great community work being done in Indianapolis.
Cecilia Gomez, CRISP Research Assistant
Student-authored policy briefs
Homelessness
In 2023, homelessness in Indiana saw a 10% increase from the previous year, with a significant overrepresentation of Black or African American individuals. This brief offers statistical evidence and considerations for future legislation to address the homelessness crisis.
Food insecurity
Food insecurity is a public health concern affecting Hoosiers’ well-being and their ability to contribute effectively to their work and society. This brief presents evidence of food insecurity among Hoosiers, its causes, and legislative recommendations for future consideration.
LGBTQ+ Hoosiers: Barriers to student success
Young Hoosiers rely on school systems and educators to develop safe and supportive learning environments and expose them to diverse voices. This brief touches on the barriers to student success and recommendations for future legislation.
Gubernatorial Candidate Forum student interest survey insights
The Public Policy Institute asked Indiana University students to participate in a student interest survey in anticipation of its fourth Gubernatorial Candidates Forum. Student responses assisted in developing topical questions for the forum and provided key insights regarding the areas of Indiana politics in which students are most interested.
PPI's graphic design student intern, Emanuel Vargas, created an infographic to highlight student perspectives captured from the survey.
