In the world of education technology, true innovation isn’t always about the most complex algorithm or the shiniest new device. Sometimes, the most transformative tools are born from a simple, powerful mission: removing barriers. This year, the American Political Science Association’s Award for Teaching Innovation has gone to an educator whose work embodies this principle, leveraging technology to democratize learning in profound ways. The 2026 award recipient is Dr. Josue “Josh” Franco, a political science professor at Cuyamaca College in California. His suite of free, open-access platforms is reshaping how political science is taught, particularly at the community college level, proving that impactful tech solutions often start with empathy and a clear-eyed view of systemic gaps.
Franco’s journey itself is a testament to the power of accessible education. A first-generation college graduate who began his own higher education at a community college, he intimately understands the financial and pedagogical hurdles his students face. This lived experience is the engine behind his innovations. As noted by the APSA award committee, his commitment to providing free, quality resources forms the very foundation of his creativity. In a field where expensive textbooks and proprietary software can gatekeep essential knowledge, Franco’s approach is a deliberate and disruptive counter-model.
His flagship creation is Sim Capitol, an online platform that allows instructors to generate customized simulation materials for American government classes. Imagine a tool that lets a professor in Ohio quickly craft a legislative simulation based on a current local issue, while a colleague in Texas designs one around federal budget negotiations. This level of individualized, active learning was once a massive time investment for faculty. Sim Capitol streamlines it, turning complex political processes into engaging, hands-on experiences without the cost barrier of commercial simulation packages. It’s a clear example of using digital tools to scale pedagogical personalization.
But Franco’s vision extends beyond a single classroom tool. He also developed iPolSci, a platform designed for faculty to manage their courses and, crucially, build professional networks. In the often-siloed world of higher education, especially for instructors at teaching-focused institutions, such networks are vital for sharing resources and strategies. iPolSci facilitates a community of practice, recognizing that supporting teachers is a direct line to supporting students. This focus on ecosystem-building, not just tool-building, marks a sophisticated understanding of how educational technology creates lasting change.
Perhaps his most significant contribution is the creation of the open educational resource (OER) textbook Introduction to Political Science Research. As the APSA citation highlights, this text fills a critical gap in community college curricula. Research methods courses are often stumbling blocks for students, with high “D, W, F” (drop, withdraw, fail) rates exacerbated by costly textbooks. Franco’s free, openly licensed textbook directly tackles this, aiming to smooth the path for community college students transferring to four-year programs. He didn’t stop there; he authored a companion guide, Polimetrics, to introduce students to the STATA statistical software. By making these resources free, he ensures that a student’s ability to pay never dictates their ability to learn foundational methodological skills.
The impact of this work is quantifiable. In his role as Cuyamaca College’s inaugural OER Coordinator, Franco helped colleagues secure over $1 million in grant funding, amplifying the reach of open educational practices. His scholarship, published in the Journal of Political Science Education, and his presentations at numerous conferences, demonstrate a commitment to validating and sharing these innovations within the academic community. His recent service as an APSA Congressional Fellow for U.S. Senator Adam Schiff – where he was the first community college faculty member to earn the fellowship in decades – bridges his academic work with real-world policy, further enriching his teaching.
- Innovative use of technology in education
- Focus on democratizing learning
- Creation of Sim Capitol for customized simulations
- Development of iPolSci for professional networks
- Open educational resource textbooks
- Securing over $1 million in grants
| Contribution | Details |
|---|---|
| Sim Capitol | An online platform for generating customized simulation materials. |
| iPolSci | A platform for faculty to manage courses and build networks. |
| OER Textbook | Introduction to Political Science Research fills gaps in community college curricula. |
| Polimetrics | A companion guide for STATA statistical software. |
| Grant Funding | Secured over $1 million for open educational practices. |
| APSA Fellowship | First community college faculty member to earn the fellowship in decades. |
Franco’s story is a powerful reminder for the tech industry. In an era obsessed with monetization and user data, his projects ask a different question: What if the primary metric was access? His platforms show that the most sustainable model might be one built on generosity and professional community, not subscription fees. The APSA award validates this approach, recognizing that the innovations with the farthest-reaching implications are often those that empower the most educators and students to participate fully. In honoring Josh Franco, the association spotlights a path for teaching innovation where technology serves as a great equalizer, built not on venture capital, but on a profound understanding of the student experience.
