2026–27 MPA Capstone Project Opportunities for Community Partners
The Wilder School’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program invites nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and public sector partners to submit proposals for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 Capstone Projects. These projects provide organizations with high quality research, analysis, and strategic insights while preparing graduate students for impactful careers in public service.
Proposal Deadline: Monday, June 15, 2026
Submit proposals to: Lindsey Evans — EvansLL@vcu.edu
Submit online: https://forms.gle/LetsqVr5fnf9dpFN7
Brian Ogle, Sofia Tortolero Calanche, Sarah Miller, Kate Gibson, and Lindsey Evans MPA Capstone Presentation to VDOT, Spring 2025
Why Partner with the Wilder School?
Each year, MPA student teams collaborate with community partners to address real world challenges through:
- Applied research
- Program and policy analysis
- Data collection and evaluation
- Strategic planning
- Best practice and comparative analysis
Projects help organizations explore questions or opportunities that may otherwise exceed available time, staff capacity, or resources - all while contributing to the education of future public sector leaders.
Guidelines for Proposal Submission
Proposals should be about one page and address the following areas:
1. Project Focus
Describe the issue, opportunity, or research question and explain its significance.
2. How Students Can Contribute
Examples include:
- Literature and policy reviews
- Primary or secondary data collection and analysis
- Comparative assessment of similar models or practices
- Discussion of findings with partner organizations
- Development of feasible recommendations or strategic plans
3. Background Information
Include context such as:
- Organizational policies or constraints
- Historical efforts or relevant past work
- Key dates or decision points
- Documents, data, or resources needed for the project
4. Expected Deliverables
May include:
- Research report
- Strategic plan or policy recommendations
- Interactive presentation summarizing findings
5. Community Partner Contacts
- Primary Contact: Name & Email
- Secondary Contact: Name & Email
Selection Process
Typically, three to six projects are selected per semester depending on enrollment and project fit. IKf your submission is not selected for Fall 2026, you may request consideration for Spring 2027.
To discuss potential ideas before submitting, contact: Dr. Lindsey Evans (EvansLL@vcu.edu)
Examples of Recent Capstone Partnerships
The Wilder School is proud to partner with state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and community-based organizations across Virginia. Recent projects include:
State Agency Partnerships
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT)
Fare-Free Transit: Decision-Making Tool
Developed a framework to evaluate fare-free transit models, incorporating data analysis, and practitioner surveying across the Commonwealth.
Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS)
Standardizing Laboratory Data Management
Created recommendations for improved workload metrics, data automation, and statewide standardization practices.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
Modernization of Scenic Byways Criteria
Conducted a 50-state comparison to inform updated criteria aligning Virginia's byways with national best practices.
Local Government Partnerships
City of Emporia, Virginia
Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment
Provided community needs analysis and recommendations to enhance local parks and recreation service delivery.
Chesterfield County Planning Department
Inclusive Community Engagement Toolkit
Produced multilingual tools, digital engagement resources, and SOPs to expand public participation in planning processes.
Nonprofit & Community Organization Partnerships
Virginia Public Safety Foundation (VPSF)
Digital Memorial Experience Design
Developed phrased recommendations for an interactive virtual memorial honoring fallen public safety officers.
Virginia Society of Ornithology (VSO)
Communications & Membership Outreach Strategy
Recommended modernization communications approaches to broaden engagement and reach new members.
Health Brigade
Strategic Advocacy Planning
Created a legislative engagement plan with tools, messaging strategies, and a year-round advocacy calendar.
Ready to Submit a Project?
Email your proposal: EvansLL@vcu.edu
Submit online: https://forms.gle/LetsqVr5fnf9dpFN7
Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026
We look forward to collaborating with community partners committed to strengthening public service across Virginia and beyond.