Policy Brief

Please read document in its entirety-Paper should be structured in the IRAC format below

Create a compelling policy brief about a specific policy of interest to you.

● The audience needs to be clear for a policy brief to be effective.: ● Audience: Focusing on the impact on in- profit institutions

Here are a few guides to help you get started:

● Policy Briefs – The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ● Links to an external site. ● How to write a policy brief | IDRC - International Development Research Centre ● Links to an external site.

The brief should be visually appealing and include relevant graphics. It should include the following elements:

● Problem ● Policy Alternatives ● Policy Recommendations ● References (we recommend footnotes) ● Resources

Length: Maximum of two pages (a one-sheet, front and back handout). Formatting is student discretion, but I encourage footnote citations. APA not required. Be creative in layout and design and imagine this as a document you might hand out to policy makers, policy aides, leaders/teachers/employees of your organization. Think of this as a handout to be passed around.

Paper should be structured in the IRAC format below

I — ISSUE 1. What is the central policy problem?

(Write a clear, concise, one‑sentence issue statement.)

2. Who is affected, and how? 3. Why is this issue urgent or significant?

R — RULE 1. What laws, policies, regulations, or programs shape this issue?

(List federal, state, local, or organizational rules.)

2. Identify any gaps, constraints, or conflicts in the current policy landscape.

A — ANALYSIS 1. What evidence helps explain the problem?

(Consider data, research, stakeholder input, equitable/effective practices.)

2. What are at least two policy options that could address the issue? 3. Evaluate each option briefly.

(Think: effectiveness, equity, feasibility, cost, timeline.)

C — CONCLUSION 1. What is your recommended policy action?

(Select one option or propose a hybrid.) 2. Why is this the strongest option?

(Link to evidence and evaluation criteria.)