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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 9 N OV E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 P O L I T I C S & C O. Colby College launches public policy laboratory B y R e n e e C o r d e s W ithin days of the presidential election, Colby College in Waterville announced plans to estab- lish a Public Policy Lab to combine classroom study with experiential learning. Funded with a $5 million donation from an anony- mous trustee, the lab aims to allow students to par- ticipate in all aspects of the policymaking process by working in close collaboration with faculty mem- bers, community partners, visiting practitioners and organizations. For Colby, the lab will be the fifth launched in recent years. It will join the Buck Lab for Climate and Environment, the Linde Packman Lab for Biosciences Innovation, the Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship and the Lyons Arts Lab. All are cross-disciplinary and focused on press- ing challenges, creating opportunities for students in research, internships and employment. The labs strengthen Colby's approach to academic innovation, grounding experiential learning with practical applica- tions, according to the school. "The Colby labs have helped to redefine a Colby education," said Colby President David A. Greene. "The labs deepen academic engagement and create partnerships and opportunities for research and learn- ing through hands-on problem solving." He also said that the $5 million gift "allows the college's long tradition of engagement in public policy to become a centerpiece of the Colby experience." Still to be named, the inaugural director of the Public Policy Lab will come from a policy-related dis- cipline. In addition to running the lab, the director will lead a visiting fellow program, build co-curricular opportunities for students interested in public policy, and work with faculty to develop avenues of study and student engagement. [A gift to start the Public Policy Lab] allows the college's long tradition of engagement in public policy to become a centerpiece of the Colby experience. — David A. Greene Colby College F I L E P H O T O / J I M N E U G E R David Greene, president of Colby College At NBT Bank, our goal is to help you reach yours. Our relationship managers provide the expert guidance and custom solutions it takes to help grow your business. Our local commitment builds strong, long-lasting partnerships that maximize your potential for success. Capital and Treasury Management Solutions Fraud Protection & Secure Banking Solutions Local Perspective & Decision Making Let our experienced Maine commercial banking team create real opportunity for your business. Cameron McKague, Timothy McMachen, Ashley Gagnon, Jeremy Deering, Michael O'Reilly, Mark Schaub, Joseph Luciano, Kimberly Twitchell, Charles Mathews Member FDIC nbtbank.com/me