The Hobby School of Public Affairs reinforces its mission of training a new generation of public policy leaders, analysts and public service professionals through its robust internships in Houston, Austin and Washington, D.C., experiential learning opportunities and programs focused on civic engagement, research and leadership development. 

Hobby School programs promote and celebrate volunteerism in the community. 

^{Spring 2025 Civic Houston Intern Wendy Novoa volunteered at BARC Houston with her City of Houston colleagues, walking dogs and making enrichment treats.}

Hobby School students and interns experience deepened learning through classroom visits from local elected officials and community leaders, and site visits in the region. 

^{These unique opportunities foster discussion and reflection and offer practical advice and targeted conversations on public policy issues.}

The Hobby School hosts various public events on campus and in the community to encourage dialogue around policy-relevant issues and promote civic leadership. 

These special events have included candidate debates, workshops, symposiums and luncheons with authors, journalists, political analysts, public officials, political candidates and community leaders from different sectors. Additionally, the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership sponsors lectures and conferences advancing cross-disciplinary conversations about the ethical dimensions of policy issues and leadership challenges. 

^{Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro discussed the state of politics and democracy in America at the University of Houston in October 2024 as part of the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center’s Future of American Democracy lecture series.}

^{The Civic Engagement Boot Camp is an annual half-day workshop featuring a range of topics, including voter education and leadership, breakout sessions and hands-on activities.}

Hobby School research contributes to an academic landscape while informing the public and policymakers on critical topics such as the impact of natural disasters, infrastructure, energy transition and voter opinions on candidates and issues. 

^{The Texas Metropolitan Blueprint, a collaborative research report from the Hobby School, LBJ School and George W. Bush Institute identifying policy recommendations for the state's metro areas, headlined a symposium by The Texas Tribune in March 2025.}