Government, Law and Public Policy Pathway

The United States Constitution created a government to promote individual well-being and common good for all. Government, law and public policy impacts the lives and welfare of every citizen of this country, this continent and this planet. The economy, education, health care, transportation, the environment, energy, jobs, national security – virtually every aspect of daily life is affected by public policy decisions at all levels of government – local, state, and federal.

Our Government, Law and Public Policy Pathway (GLP3) has been created to provide the best and most dedicated of our students with an opportunity to take the first steps on a life long journey to become leaders in our society who will guide us through a complex set of issues and help us make choices that will sustain our country’s role in a global society. 

Whether you are interested in becoming a lawyer, politician, police officer, reporter, public servant, FBI agent, environmental advocate, public health official, economic developer, member of the military or simply an informed citizen of the world, this pathway will open your mind and help you decide what you can do to lead our society into the future.

Interested Students Must Meet Their Guidance Counselors

Students who are interested in the Government, Law, and Public Policy Pathway (GLP3) must meet with their guidance counselors to enroll for the following school year.

Seminar Series (Mandatory)

All students who wish to follow GLP3  Pathway must sign up for a mandatory Seminar Series that will be held eight times in the course of the school year during the Block 3 and 4 advisory period.

Guest speakers from the fields of law, criminal justice, government and public policy, etc. will meet with students and share information about their careers and the roles they play in government, law and public policy. Students need to attend a minimum of seven out of the eight seminars and will need to complete a seminar assignment.  Consideration will be given to students with extenuating circumstances who do not attend seven seminars to make up a minimal number of seminars during the following school year.

Students Linked to Naviance

A GLP3 cohort of students created by the Guidance Department will be linked via Naviance. This link will keep students informed regarding GLP3 college visits, field trips, assemblies, internships, etc.

Collaborating with Teachers

Students will work with the social studies teachers and guidance counselors who will assist them as they follow the pathway and help determine future GLP3 – related study as they begin to consider college and career choices.

Field Experience

GPL3 students may participate in a related field experience during their senior year of high school.

Student Expectations

Students will be expected to maintain a minimum of a 70 average to receive the Standard Government, Law and Public Policy Pathway endorsement on their transcript.

Endorsement with Distinction

Students looking for a more rigorous challenge may be selected to participate in the “Endorsement with Distinction” version of the Pathway (see the matrix that follows for a detailed look at the courses involved).

Extracurricular Activities

Students enrolled in the GLP3 will be encouraged to participate in the following extracurricular clubs and activities: