Our promise is to improve the lives of all Americans by giving policymakers access to high-quality information and engaging citizens as active participants in the formation of public policy.

The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement is located at Drake University and serves as a venue and catalyst for dynamic non-partisan research, learning, and outreach to promote understanding of the policy issues to which Senator Tom Harkin devoted his career.

2024 Harkin on Wellness Symposium

Harkin on Wellness 2024 will take place Wednesday, April 3 in Des Moines, IA, at Olmsted Center at Drake University. This year’s theme is Wellbeing in Schools and will feature a keynote presentation by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. The event will feature innovative approaches to improving health and wellness in schools that can mitigate the challenges facing students, teachers, and school leaders.

2024 Retirement Security Symposium

Whether youre budgeting for the present or planning for your retirement, managing your finances can be an overwhelming task. That’s why The Harkin Institute chose “Navigating the Journey to Financial Wellness” as the theme for this year’s Harkin Retirement Security Symposium.

The 2024 Harkin Retirement Security Symposium will take place on Tuesday, April 30 in Olmsted Center on Drake University’s campus located in Des Moines, Iowa.

Annual Report FY 2023

The Harkin Institute Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023 is out now!

Let The Harkin Institute cover your D.C. internship costs!

Apply now for The Harkin Institute’s D.C. Experience scholarships, which can help cover living and travel expenses related to your summer internship in Washington, D.C.

Naturalization Ceremony

Photos from the Naturalization Ceremony at the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center on 9-15-23!

Address: 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311

Phone: (515) 271-3623

Email: harkininstitute@drake.edu

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.