The primary mission of the Leadership in Public Affairs program at TCNJ is to foster the development of leaders who will positively transform the processes of public life. The LPA program conducts campus and community-based programs and produces multimedia case studies for school and college use.

Distinguishing characteristics of the LPA program are its promotion of deliberative democracy forums as a means of both civic education and citizen engagement, and its focus on pressing public policy issues in the Trenton area.

The LPA program is directed by Dr. William J. Ball of the Department of Political Science at TCNJ. It has received financial support from the State of New Jersey, The College of New Jersey and The Corrella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation.

The LPA draws on its advisory board for guidance in its programs. The advisory board is currently being reconstituted in preparation for a new community forum series.