The Gunter-Smith Center for Community Engagement building.

Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy

Downtown York, PA

Public policy research for the community.

The Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy utilizes the intellectual capital of an institution of higher education with the public policy research and administration needs of the community.

The Institute is made possible through generous funding from the Arthur J. and Lee R. Glatfelter Foundation.

About The Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute

Our Mission: 

To provide rigorous, non-partisan social science research, analysis, to inform decision-making on current and relevant community practices, and to educate the next generation of leaders in public affairs.

Our Vision:

The Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy is committed to producing valid, unbiased, and useful studies to support public policies that serve citizens in equitable ways. We are also committed to informing the public about key policy issues through panels, speakers, and other events. 

What We Do:

  • Produce unbiased, bipartisan research reports and policy analyses and develop public policy in order to build a stronger region and help decision makers create effective public policies.
  • Offer a range of events on topics of interest to York’s citizens, featuring expert speakers, panels, debates, film viewings, and community discussions.
  • Support undergraduate-, graduate-, and faculty-driven research aimed at increasing understanding of real-world problems and identifying solutions.
  • Educate public affairs experts and leaders through York College’s affiliated Master of Public Policy and Administration Program Certificate.

Beyond the Data

Beyond the Data features research and analysis from the Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy, exploring policy issues that affect York County and communities across Pennsylvania.

Anna Howard | April 13, 2026

Recruiting and retaining qualified early childhood educators remains a challenge across Pennsylvania, with low wages and limited benefits contributing to persistent staffing shortages. This article examines how compensation affects workforce stability, educational quality, and equity, as well as efforts underway in York County to support the early childhood education workforce.

Read the full article

Anna Howard | September 3, 2026

Public libraries provide access to education, technology, community resources, and opportunities that extend far beyond books. This article examines how libraries in York County and across Pennsylvania navigate uncertain funding, changing community needs, and the challenge of maintaining essential services while building long-term resilience.

Read the full article

Institute for Public Policy Staff

Nicolas Anspach, Ph.D.

Director of the Glatfelter Institute
Interim Chair, History and Political Science
Associate Professor of Political Science

nanspach@ycp.edu

Anna Howard

Graduate Scholar for the Glatfelter Institute

ahoward15@ycp.edu