Riley Institute Advance Team 2026-2027 Application

The Riley Institute empowers emerging and established leaders with the knowledge and tools to advance equity and drive social and economic progress in South Carolina and Beyond. Our student programs aim to enhance students' understanding of public policy issues, promote civic engagement, and prepare students for lives of purpose and impact.

The Riley Institute Advance Team is a group of select students who are passionate about politics and public policy. They play a crucial role in planning and facilitating Riley Institute events and policy discussions and have special opportunities to interact with local, national, and international leaders. For example, this year’s team is currently planning a CLP on criminal justice policy titled "Beyond Bars: Pathways to Reentry," which will take place on March 11.

The Advance Team is open to students from all majors, and the application process is competitive. Advance Team membership requires a substantial commitment of time and energy during the academic year. Requirements are listed below. Please be sure that you can meet all of them–or inquire as to a special exception– before committing to the application process. Contact Grace Guillaume (guilgr9@furman.edu) or Kendall Gallagher-King (kendall.gallagher@furman.edu) if you have questions about these requirements.

- Attend an introductory meeting on Tuesday, April 21 (around 5pm);
- Attend all Advance Team meetings, held twice a month during late afternoon/early evening hours;
- Attend all Riley Institute events, including the StraightTalk series and other CLPs; and the Riley-Wilkins Awards Dinner in January 2027 in Columbia (transportation provided);
- Work with team members to conceptualize and implement a CLP event;
- Co-lead one public policy/current events discussion over the course of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 27.

Next year's team will be announced by March 27, 2026.

Name Name First Last
Major(s)
Anticipated Graduation Year
Furman email address
Cell Phone Number Cell Phone Number - ### - ### ####
Do you plan to study abroad in the 2026-27 academic year?

Do you plan to study abroad in the 2026-27 academic year? Yes No
During which semester do you plan to study abroad?

During which semester do you plan to study abroad? Fall Spring N/A
Please list the activities you will be involved in at Furman during the 2026-27 academic year. (Include Greek Life, sports teams, other student organizations, jobs and/or internships, etc.) Please specify how often these other activities will conflict with Advance Team meetings and other Riley events if you have a tentative schedule for the next academic year.
How did you hear about the Advance Team?
Please upload a resume that includes
• Leadership and/or civic activities at Furman (and/or high school)
• Any study away, service learning programs, and/or collaborative research programs while at Furman
• Any internship/work experience
In a paragraph or two, please provide an idea or concept for a potential CLP that the Riley Institute Advance Team might present.
Are you a new applicant or a returning member of the Advance Team?

Are you a new applicant or a returning member of the Advance Team? New applicant Returning member
In a paragraph or two, describe a public policy issue of interest to you. Include the differing perspectives on this issue. Why are you passionate about this policy issue, and/or how has this issue had an impact on you?
New applicants are asked to provide the name of a Furman professor or staff member who will provide a reference upon request. Professor or staff member's name New applicants are asked to provide the name of a Furman professor or staff member who will provide a reference upon request.

Professor or staff member's name First Last
Professor or staff member's email address
What improvements do you suggest for the Advance Team experience next year?
Please describe one way that being a part of the Advance team has had a positive impact on your Furman experience.