Each year, the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs awards the Franko-Maisel Prize for Public Policy, which recognizes an outstanding Colby senior who has demonstrated a commitment to public affairs and plans to pursue a career related to public policy.
The prize – a $5,000 cash award – is determined by a committee of Goldfarb Center staff and faculty who have been engaged in public affairs. The award is based on an application that showcases a student’s public affairs engagement while at Colby, plans for the future, and how this award will impact the student’s ability to fulfill those plans. It is meant to be a bridge to help a student who needs assistance post-graduation to jumpstart their career in public policy.
The Franko-Maisel Prize is possible because of a generous gift from Patrice Franko, the Grossman Professor of Economics and Professor of Global Studies, and the late Sandy Maisel, Goldfarb Family Distinguished Professor of American Government.
Professor Maisel was the founding director of the Goldfarb Center and served as its executive director from 2003-2011. Professor Franko directed the Goldfarb Center from 2016-2019. The gift is further testament to their decades of commitment to public affairs programming and Colby students.
Seniors should self-nominate by submitting applications to [email protected] by Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 11:59pm. Be sure to include your name, major(s), contact information – including your Colby ID # – a copy of your CV or resume, and a list of any student awards previously received and/or for which you know yourself to have been nominated during the current spring semester.
Please submit your application as a Word document or pdf. All seniors are qualified to apply. Note that the cash award is reportable income and potentially taxable. The Goldfarb Center will announce the award winner at the Colby Student Award ceremony on May 6, 2025.
Apply by answering the following essay questions. Answers to essay questions should not be more than 500 words each.
1. What does public affairs mean to you and how have you demonstrated a commitment to public affairs during your time at Colby both on and off campus?
2. Explain the career goals you hope to achieve and how they relate to public policy. What are your plans after graduation?
3. How will this funding help you accomplish your immediate career goals? If you win, how will you spend the money?
Congratulations to Kevin Craig ‘24, winner of the 2024 Franko-Maisel Prize for Public Policy! Each year, the Goldfarb Center awards this prize to an outstanding Colby senior who has demonstrated a commitment to public affairs and plans to pursue a career related to public policy. The Goldfarb Center selected Kevin as this year’s recipient due to his commitment to the Colby community as well as his dedication to public service, as shown through engagement in campus affairs, internship experience with Congresswoman Pingree’s office, and aspirations to launch a career combining politics and journalism.
The Goldfarb Center is proud to recognize Kevin’s talents and support his pursuit of a career on Capitol Hill where his unique perspective will be an asset. Learn more about Kevin’s accomplishments and plans here.
Read about each of the Franko-Maisel Public Policy Prize winners and their plans for their future in the field of public policy.
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