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We are a collection of Southern organizations and scholars seeking an equitable and people-first response to economic recovery in a post-pandemic South.

POLICY ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM

The Policy Entrepreneurs Program is a specialized virtual training initiative aimed at empowering participants in the realms of policy-making and advocacy. This comprehensive program is designed to cover essential topics such as policy agenda setting, effective mobilization and advocacy techniques, the critical role of data in policy formation, compliance with regulatory standards, and principles of trauma-informed leadership. The curriculum also includes a Pinnacle Project to be completed in small groups that will build collaboration and offer hands-on experience. The program takes place with monthly virtual meetings from March—August and culminates in an in-person convening in September. 
 
By selecting 25 participants or organizations for each session, SEAP aims to create a supportive, collaborative learning environment and valuable professional development experience.

Thank you for your interest in the SouthStrong Policy Entrepreneur Program. We are accepting applications for the 2026 cohort January 28—February 20th, 2026. 

Complete the interest form below to receive updates on future cohorts.

APPLY NOW
IPF Photo Gallery
1705086842828 - Sarai Serrano
1740437284127 - Gina Thompson
Advocates Headshot - Hayley Cormican
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ED955B6D-6CF6-463F-BA96-926A3AD6D1B7 - Mariana Ortiz
HDH-VanessaSelects-5 - Vanessa Miot
Headshot - Caylee Taylor
headshot - Kaila Pouncy
Headshot - Kendall Short - Kendall Short
IMG_1378 - Rachel Shelton
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IMG_2666 - Kirsten Cook
IMG_3843 - Daniel Novoa- HICA
IMG_3859 - Kerrissa Vaughn
IMG_4673 - Arielle Williams
KC Headshot - Kylee Crook
myPIC - Glenda Perryman
PAIGE MITCHELL_HEADSHOT_2024jpg - Paige M
McNair Scholar Portraits. Photo by Logan Kirkland/ Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
professional headshot - Julio
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REH_atl - rori eddie herbison
Screenshot 2025-03-18 124452 - Maxene Small
Screenshot_20240929_094712_Photos - LaToya C. Crawford, MSEDL
Shun Tucker-Allen - Shun Tucker-Allen
Tonya Jameson - JAG CLT
Victoria-Palacio-Carrs-headshot - Victoria Palacio
Walker Headshot - Walker Harrison
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MEET THE 2025 COHORT

Learn more about the PEP Alumni here!

JOINT STATEMENT

Below is a statement of shared values for moving the South from crisis to equity.

JOINT STATEMENT: We have agreed to work together on a shared approach to make policymakers and stakeholders aware of and accountable for the social and economic inequities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic — one that is based on respect, dignity, equity, and justice.

While each of us launches our own efforts to promote actionable responses to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have agreed to the following principles as we affirm our Southern values.

COVID-19 does not adhere to local, state, or national boundaries. Communities must work together with government for a full picture of what’s happening on the ground and what improvements are needed. We understand the need for close coordination and collaboration to ensure that the response to COVID-19 is equitable, accountable, and transparent.

POLICY RESOURCES

Learn how to get involved in South Strong, engage your community, and hold your elected leaders accountable. Browse, download and share our latest resources and tools!