Center for Youth Political Participation
The Center for Youth Political Participation celebrates and supports political learning and engagement among young people through research, public service and education, driven by the potential impact of Gen Z on American democracy.
Comprised of four signature programs; RU Ready, RU Voting, the Young Elected Leaders Project, and the Rutgers-Eagleton Washington Internship Award program, our work encourages young adults to see themselves as part of the political process at all stages of life.
Talking Across Difference
Talking Across Difference is a university-wide initiative launched by the Eagleton Institute of Politics in 2025 to prepare educators, staff, and students to have productive conversations about difficult issues by building and practicing skills for respectful dialogue.
With an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning, cohorts of Talking Across Difference student leaders plan and facilitate opportunities for conversation to contribute to a campus culture where respectful dialogue is the norm.
Eagleton Undergraduate Associates
The Eagleton Undergraduate Associates Program, established in 1974, is a signature education program of the Eagleton Institute of Politics in partnership with the Rutgers Democracy Lab. This 1.5-year interdisciplinary certificate program is open to juniors from all Rutgers schools, departments, and campus locations who are interested in American politics, government, policy, and advocacy.
Associates link the study of politics and power to its real-world application, while building knowledge, skills, and networks for political, community, government, and social change during their last three semesters of undergraduate study at Rutgers.
Eagleton Graduate Fellows
The Eagleton Graduate Fellowship Program in Politics and Government is an interdisciplinary certificate program open to graduate students in all Rutgers schools and disciplines. It offers select students the opportunity to further their understanding of government, public policy, and how American politics impacts their field of study. All Rutgers graduate students are eligible to apply for this one-year, interdisciplinary cohort certificate program. Stipends and tuition support available.
Open Minds Lecture Series
The Richard D. Heffner Open Minds Lecture Series
The Richard D. Heffner Open Mind Lecture Series at Rutgers University honors the legacy of educator and broadcaster Richard D. Heffner by bringing leading public thinkers to campus for conversations on democracy, media, and civic life. Each year, distinguished speakers engage the Rutgers community in thoughtful, civil dialogue on timely public policy issues, continuing Heffner’s tradition of open, curious, and intellectually rigorous discourse. The series is organized in partnership with the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program.
Rutgers Scarlet Service
Through Rutgers Scarlet Service, undergraduates from all campuses are selected for internships at public service-oriented nonprofit organizations and direct-service government offices. Students gain hands-on experience addressing national issues including public health, infrastructure, education, and the environment while developing a better understanding of themselves and building relationships with others. Participating students receive stipends and take related three-credit courses. The program's unique opportunities set up students to become better citizens and help foster a commitment to public service.
