About the Rutgers Democracy Lab
Mission
The Rutgers Democracy Lab works to ensure that future generations have access to the tools and knowledge needed to strengthen democracy. The Lab draws on the multidisciplinary expertise of Rutgers students, faculty, and researchers to connect with community members, civic groups, and practitioners to tackle challenges; explore and test new ideas and potential solutions; and develop evidence-based best practices that support and enhance democracy.
Initiatives
Think and Do Tank
The Lab operates as a Think and Do Tank where students from academic programs across the university work alongside faculty, practitioners, and community partners to address complex, multidisciplinary issues. Participating students receive stipends and academic credit.
Civic Learning and Engagement
Interweaving civic learning and engagement throughout the academic culture of Rutgers through promotion and creation of hands-on, skills-building activities and experiential learning opportunities. Stipends will be available for students seeking internships and similar real-world experiences, ensuring that all students have access to these high-impact learning opportunities.
Expanding Rutgers Scarlet Service to a year-round program to involve hundreds of students annually. Scarlet Service was first launched by President Holloway in 2022 to provide paid summer internships for students to serve the common good and work with people from different backgrounds.
Technology and Democracy Research Hub
Creating a Technology and Democracy Research Hub to supply faculty, staff, and students with data and information to complement programs, research, and education offered through the RDL and other areas of the university. Analysis will include examining the relationship between social media use and civic engagement and the pervasive influence of technology, including AI.
Assessments
Conducting assessments of RDL programming and research and publication of scholarship related to the effectiveness of civic learning at Rutgers and beyond.
Faculty Engagement
Encouraging faculty from all disciplines—from STEM to the humanities—to integrate civic engagement learning into their coursework. Campus-specific workshops and programming will provide faculty support and professional development.
Partnerships
Partnering with other nonpartisan groups and other universities with an interest in promoting civic engagement and good governance.
Civic Engagement Programming
Developing civic engagement programming with real-world impact to demonstrate how young people can contribute to the effectiveness of the American political system and the vibrancy of their communities.