Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
How does it work?
York University students will work in teams of 3-4 to address a given public policy issue, produce a concise policy brief, and present their solution(s) to our expert judging panel. The competition (Feb 9-11, with presentations and judging from Feb 21-22) will be virtual. The mandatory Policy Brief Workshop and Awards Ceremony + Networking Event will be in-person. Winning teams in the undergraduate and graduate streams will be recognized and awarded.
York University students will work in teams of 3-4 to address a given public policy issue, produce a concise policy brief, and present their solution(s) to our expert judging panel. The competition (Feb 9-11, with presentations and judging from Feb 21-22) will be virtual. The mandatory Policy Brief Workshop and Awards Ceremony + Networking Event will be in-person. Winning teams in the undergraduate and graduate streams will be recognized and awarded.
Who can participate in the PCC?
The 2026 PCC is open to undergraduate and graduate students at York University, in any year, and in any program.
The 2026 PCC is open to undergraduate and graduate students at York University, in any year, and in any program.
What if I've never written anything like this before?
That's okay! The PCC is designed as a learning experience, suitable for students with no prior policy experience. Guidance will be available to all competitors through our Policy Brief Workshop and office hours.
That's okay! The PCC is designed as a learning experience, suitable for students with no prior policy experience. Guidance will be available to all competitors through our Policy Brief Workshop and office hours.
I'm a first year student, can I still participate?
Of course! PCC welcomes York University students in all years and fields of study.
Of course! PCC welcomes York University students in all years and fields of study.
I don't have a team. Can I register as an individual?
If you do not have a team, you can initially register as a single participant. The PCC will then place you in a team of 2-3 other students. You will be introduced to your team via email shortly after registration closes.
If you do not have a team, you can initially register as a single participant. The PCC will then place you in a team of 2-3 other students. You will be introduced to your team via email shortly after registration closes.
How much does it cost to participate?
Registration costs $10 per competitor. All revenue is used for internal funding and to enhance the quality of PCC events. If cost is a barrier to your participation, please contact us directly at PolicyCompetition@gmail.com so we can accommodate you.
Registration costs $10 per competitor. All revenue is used for internal funding and to enhance the quality of PCC events. If cost is a barrier to your participation, please contact us directly at PolicyCompetition@gmail.com so we can accommodate you.
What is public policy, and what is a policy brief?
Put simply, public policy is what a government chooses to do or not to do. A policy brief is a short document used to present solutions or recommendations to policy problems. For more information on both, please visit our "What is Public Policy?" page.
Put simply, public policy is what a government chooses to do or not to do. A policy brief is a short document used to present solutions or recommendations to policy problems. For more information on both, please visit our "What is Public Policy?" page.
What is public policy, and what is a policy brief?
Do I have to attend the in-person events?
At least one member of each competing team must attend our Policy Brief Workshop on Feb 5, 2026. Attending the Awards Ceremony + Networking Event on Feb 25, 2026 is highly encouraged for everyone participating. See the 2026 PCC's full schedule.
At least one member of each competing team must attend our Policy Brief Workshop on Feb 5, 2026. Attending the Awards Ceremony + Networking Event on Feb 25, 2026 is highly encouraged for everyone participating. See the 2026 PCC's full schedule.
How are teams evaluated? Who are the judges?
Our panel of judges may include York University faculty members, public sector professionals, and invited experts in a specific policy field. Details on speakers, rubrics and evaluation will be released to all registered teams closer to the competition dates.
Our panel of judges may include York University faculty members, public sector professionals, and invited experts in a specific policy field. Details on speakers, rubrics and evaluation will be released to all registered teams closer to the competition dates.
Can I put this on my resume?
Absolutely! The PCC will build practical skills in policy analysis, critical thinking, research, writing, teamwork and presentations; all of which are highly valued in the public sector and other careers.
Absolutely! The PCC will build practical skills in policy analysis, critical thinking, research, writing, teamwork and presentations; all of which are highly valued in the public sector and other careers.
