1. The Hogan Institute at Washington College
  2. Our Approach and Impact

Our Approach and Impact

The Hogan Institute develops principled citizen leaders prepared to engage constructively across differences, serve the public good, and strengthen the institutions that sustain our democracy.

At Washington College, students learn directly from distinguished leaders and experienced practitioners while gaining practical experience in leadership and public service. Beyond the College, the Institute contributes to consequential public conversations through events, partnerships, applied research, and civic dialogue.

Our Approach and Impact

 

portraits of Gov. John Carney and Gov. Larry Hogan above the Hogan Institute logo

Modeling a Better Version of Politics

At a time when division too often defines public life, the Hogan Institute brings together leaders with different experiences and perspectives for serious, constructive dialogue. Through the Distinguished Speaker Series, partnerships, public events, and media engagement, the Institute contributes to national conversations about leadership, governance, civility, democratic institutions, and political reform.

portraits of communications professionals Mike Ricci and Len Foxwell above the Hogan Institute logo

Turning Dialogue into Action

The Hogan Institute does not stop at inspiration. Through the Leader & Citizen Dialogue Series, the Policy Lab, and other applied programs, students and citizens gain practical insights and skills to build coalitions, communicate effectively, navigate institutions, negotiate genuine differences, and advance workable solutions.

 

Preparing Students for Consequential Lives

Students do more than study leadership at the Hogan Institute. They learn from those who have practiced it, work with people who see the world differently, and gain experience applying principles to difficult public challenges.

Students Learn by Doing

Through the Policy Lab, internships, original research, Institute programming, and other experiential opportunities, students apply what they learn to consequential public problems.

 

Unique Experiences and Scholarships

Hogan Scholars receive a four-year experience combining scholarship support with internships, mentoring, Institute programming, and a strong grounding in leadership and public service.

 

Direct Connections with Professionals

Students engage directly with distinguished leaders and accomplished practitioners through classes, meals, mentoring, small group conversations, and public programs.

 

 

How does the Hogan Institute encourage constructive problem solving?
The Institute brings together people with different political views and requires participants to understand competing ideas, identify shared interests, negotiate genuine differences, and work toward solutions they can advocate for together.
How does the Hogan Institute prepare students to lead?
The Institute combines serious academic inquiry with direct engagement, mentoring, internships, and applied experience. Students learn not only how public institutions work, but how to communicate across differences, build coalitions, exercise sound judgment, and translate principles into action.
How will the Hogan Institute measure its impact?
The Institute will evaluate both the opportunities it creates and the capabilities students develop. Measures of success will include:
  • Student participation in internships, mentoring, applied research, and public service
  • Growth in students’ ability to understand opposing viewpoints and collaborate across differences
  • Student placement in public service, policy, and leadership roles
  • The quality and practical relevance of student research and Policy Lab proposals
  • The strength and reach of Institute events, partnerships, and public engagement
  • Contributions to national conversations about leadership, governance, civility, and democracy