OUR IMPACT
Sanford thrives at the intersection of campus, community, and global conversation. Our Centers are engines of collaboration—linking students, faculty, and partners across sectors to solve real-world problems. Through programs like POLIS, the Hart Leadership Program, and Duke in DC, our community engages directly with policymakers, thought leaders, and changemakers on the front lines.
We convene the conversations that matter—on democracy, technology, health, and climate—while giving students the tools to step in and lead. From local advocacy to national strategy, Sanford’s engagement model is built for relevance and results. With your partnership, we’ll expand our reach, deepen our impact, and shape policy that serves the public good—at Duke and far beyond.
Student Voices: Pathways Trip to DC is Transformative
The Sanford School Pathways program immerses students in the dynamic world of public policy in a group trip to Washington, DC.
Exploring the Future of AI at Sanford: A Fireside Chat with OpenAI Leaders
Sanford has partnered with OpenAI leaders to explore AI’s evolving societal role, potential for innovation, and ethical considerations.
Bridging the Divide: Senators Maggie Hassan and Richard Burr Find Common Ground
Sanford’s Polis hosted a two-part conversation with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and former U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) in Duke’s Washington, DC office.
Military Mentors in a College Classroom
Sanford’s national security programs create a collaborative space where seasoned military professionals and students work together to tackle complex global challenges.
Student Voices: Sanford Board Leadership Initiative
The Sanford Board Leadership Initiative places MPP students as non-voting members on local nonprofit boards. James Berger honored his Sanford mentor, Professor Dirk Philipsen by serving on the board of an organization which provides mentorship to boys and young men in Durham
Impact Report: Technology Policy
Balancing privacy, ethics and technology
Student Voices: Using Human-Centered Design to Improve the Durham Farmers’ Market
Kanishka Desai, MPP’26, is working with the local community to promote healthy eating through food policy expertise she learned at Sanford.
Impact Report: Health Policy
Policy paths and perspectives during the pandemic
Student Voices: Three Reflections on Attending COP29
Sanford MPP and MIDP students are active and engaged with the global climate community. Here are some of their perspectives.
Discussing Migration, Adaptation and Aid at Duke Climate Symposium
In his keynote speech at the Climate, Resilience, and Mobility: A Duke Climate Collaboration Symposium event on Thursday, September 19, Dr. Indermit Gill, Chief Economist of the World Bank Group, argued that the world urgently needs to rethink its approach to climate resilience, particularly in the face of lagging economic growth in developing nations.