The Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL) Democracy Summer Research Fellowships support multi-disciplinary research from Rutgers PhD students that advances our understanding of American democracy. Applications are now open and close May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM!
On-Campus and Virtual Opportunities
The Center for Youth Political Participation is recruiting a team of paid interns to support the creation of digital content for the newly established Rutgers Democracy Lab. Applications are now open and close April 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
The Think and Do Tank offers a highly immersive civic learning experience that builds students' capacity for democratic citizenship and problem-solving. Students from across the university and across disciplines come together to work collaboratively to address democratic issues, and they do this important work in partnership with faculty and expert practitioners.
The Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL), in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Education, invites faculty to submit proposals for Byrne Seminars to be offered during the Fall 2026 semester in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
We want to hear your thoughts about democracy! The Rutgers Democracy Lab is seeking students to submit their videos exploring the topic of American democracy and civic engagement in the digital age.
(Applications for 2026-2027 will open in the Spring.) The RDL Faculty and Staff Associates Program supports the creation of innovative multi- and cross-disciplinary ideas to address complex democratic problems.
Each year, the Office of Federal Relations brings the Rutgers Advocacy Corps down to Washington, DC to meet with federal policymakers to advocate for increased investments in federal financial aid. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with Rutgers alumni working in the nation’s capital.
The Rutgers Democracy Lab is recruiting a team of paid student leaders to support the Talking Across Difference initiative’s in-person and virtual programming across Rutgers University. Talking Across Difference is a university-wide initiative meant to equip educators, staff, and students to have productive conversations about difficult and sometimes divisive issues.
(Applications for Spring 2026 are now closed.) Interns will dive into big questions about how platforms shape what we see and believe online — exploring topics like echo chambers, misinformation, and polarization.
(Applications for October 2025 are now closed.) Democracy Month is a University-wide initiative dedicated to exploring and strengthening democratic values, civic engagement, and active citizenship. The 2025 theme is Inspiring Civic Engagement.
(Applications for April 2026 are now closed.) This university-wide initiative invites schools, departments, institutes, and centers across Rutgers University to host dynamic programs that explore innovative solutions to pressing democratic challenges.
Do you have an innovative idea that will help solve a democratic problem? Submit your proposal here and if accepted, the RDL will fund your concept! Opportunities are available for students of all disciplines working on their own or with others. Project formats and work products can take many forms, including but not limited to: