Charleston School of Law has launched a Public Policy Institute (PPI) dedicated to advancing evidence-based solutions for South Carolina’s pressing challenges.
The institute’s mission is to bridge academic inquiry with real-world impact through research, community collaboration and student engagement.
Student engagement will include connecting students with government agencies, nonprofits, trade associations, elected officials, public managers and other leaders to identify and address critical policy issues.
Additionally, teams of law students will collaborate with community partners to research and develop actionable policy recommendations, culminating in public presentations and an annual report.

“The Public Policy Institute will empower our students to apply their legal education to real-world challenges while building bridges between communities and policymakers,” said Jennifer Wilkins, director of the institute.
Through public forums and workshops, PPI will gather community input and foster dialogue on issues that matter most to residents and decision-makers.
To support transparency and engagement, a publicly accessible data hub will feature interactive dashboards to inform the public, track progress and collect feedback.
The institute will monitor the adoption of its recommendations, track pilot initiatives and refine proposals based on measurable outcomes.
“By placing our emphasis on data, collaboration and community engagement, we aim to create actionable policy solutions that make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” Wilkins said.