The AAPC Foundation
The AAPC Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3),tax-exempt, non-profit organization founded in 2006 to support the American system of free elections, protect the freedom of political speech and to promote these principles among those involved in the electoral process.
The Foundation is engaged in research and educational projects to advance these principles and also provides scholarship support for students preparing to enter the profession of politics. The AAPC Foundation's program is focused on providing scholarships to students interested in the field of political consulting and academic outreach to inform students about the profession.
The work of the Foundation is administered by a board of directors, all officers of the AAPC. The directors work closely with the Board of the AAPC and the Executive Director. The articles of incorporation and the Foundation's bylaws guide the administration of the AAPC Foundation, a non-profit entity.
Collin Sewell on winning the AAPC Foundation Alan Locke Scholarship
There are very few occasions in life when you are humbled to point of being speechless. At the 2010 Pollie Awards Conference in Phoenix, AZ, I had the privilege of being named the first ever recipient of the Alan Locke Memorial Scholarship Award. I feel incredibly fortunate to carry on Alan's legacy through this award. I wish to thank the Board of Directors of the AAPC Foundation for presenting me with this gracious honor.
I think I have only just begun my ventures into political consulting. Campaign politics has been a passion in my life ever since I knocked on my first door for John Kerry in 2004. When I arrived at Gettysburg College I knew I wanted to continue working on elections. I would say my true start came when I was named the head of canvassing operations for Barack Obama's campaign in Adams County, PA. The following year I helped manage Kristin Rice's campaign for the Adams County Court of Common Pleas. There are still many aspects of campaigning that I still have yet to explore, and I look forward to learning more in the future. I dream to open my own consulting firm one day and play a role in a winning presidential campaign.
Coming to the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC ) has been one of the greatest experiences I could have ever anticipated. Not only did I get to help organize and run the successful 2010 Pollie Awards Conference, but I had the privilege of meeting several political professionals who gave me advice on how to proceed with my career. I have always admired the way that the AAPC has been able to bring consultants from all across the political spectrum together. Every consultant has had experiences that could help other consultants avoid mistakes or perform better in campaigns, and the AAPC provides a forum for everybody to meet and share their advice. Such civil discourse and cooperation amongst each other is critical for our profession to thrive in the foreseeable future.