SPIA Brings Public Policy to Pittsburgh's WYEP Summer Music Festival

Dean Slotterback with an incoming student at the WYEP Music Festival

At this year’s WYEP Summer Music Festival, the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) delivered frozen treats paired with meaningful, multigenerational conversations about public policy into the heart of the Pittsburgh community. 

Our interactive booth engaged the record festival crowd with one powerful question: What’s cool to care about? The activation sparked authentic dialogue around pressing public issues, from climate and education to housing and social equity. Attendees praised the approachable, thought-provoking format, which gave community members of all ages a way to connect their values with real-world impact. 

Close up of the SPIA table at the WYEP Music Festival

The result? A standout presence that wasn’t just well-attended, it was sought after. SPIA affirmed the public’s hunger for connection, relevance, and purpose, and reinforced our role as a convener of accessible, actionable knowledge in public and international affairs. 

SPIA's Frozen Treat Lineup Recap: 

  • Policy Pops - with forward-thinking flavor
  • Mini Treaties - because diplomacy is delicious
  • Civic Stix - a true rainbow of voices
  • Pickle Pops - a little weird, a lot local and 100% policy-powered

Learn more about how SPIA trains students to turn ideas into impact by exploring our programs