The program, which began in 1992 and is considered to be one of the most unique of its kind, will offer 24 applicants fellowships valued at $12,000 per person to take part in the training, which will begin early next year, MPLP organizers said.

Fundraising and grant money allow the program to be offered free of charge.

“(MPLP) fosters a bipartisan relationship,” said Dianne Byrum, an MSU trustee and one of the program’s two co-directors. “It creates relationships among a diverse group of individuals who have a deep interest in being involved publicly.”

More than a quarter of the program’s 400-plus graduates currently are serving or at one point have served in a publicly elected position, said Katherine Cusick, MPLP’s interim administrator. The deadline to apply for the program is Sept. 4.

“We want it to be bipartisan because we really think it enhances the program,” Cusick said.

Cusick said the program is not specifically targeted for MSU students, but past programs have included students in their ranks. MPLP selects applicants from across the state and likewise holds its training sessions in various locations in Michigan.

This benefits the program’s participants because it takes them to places they might not be familiar with, which diversifies the education, Byrum said.

“What we want to make sure is that the fellows have an opportunity to experience that diversity,” Byrum said.

Doug Roberts, director of MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, or IPPSR, which puts on the program, said the sessions cover widespread topics such as campaign finance laws and speech-writing. MPLP also gives candidates realistic experiences, he said, such as media interviews, where the program’s participants are posited in front of a camera to talk with real reporters.

“For those who are really interested, this is really extraordinary training,” Roberts said.

Nathan Triplett, who currently serves on the East Lansing City Council and works for the state House of Representatives, said the program is a great resource for those interested in public service. He was accepted to the program in 2006, his senior year at MSU.

“It’s very rare to have an opportunity to be in an environment with people from both sides of the (political spectrum) to talk about issues that are facing our community and our state,” he said.

Triplett encouraged MSU students interested in one day seeking public office to apply for the program because, he said, the training is invaluable.

“I think having younger voices involved … is really valuable because they bring a unique perspective,” he said.

Applications are available online at www.ippsr.msu.edu, or by calling (517) 353-1357.