Darien Civic Engagement Project
Experience Politics
For the upcoming Spring 2026 semester, students can register for the 1.5 credit 790:250:Topics in Political Science: Darien Civic Engagement Project taught by faculty and staff of the Eagleton Institute of Politics. Enrolled students will support the implementation of RU Ready, a civic education initiative providing high school and middle school students with the motivation and the civic, political, and expressive tools they need to address public problems in their community.
The Darien Class will meet on Mondays from 10:20 AM to 11:40 AM at the Eagleton Institute of Politics on Douglass.
In conjunction with their coursework, Darien students will apply their course learning to real-world practice by assisting with the implementation of in-person RU Ready civic fairs at local area middle and high schools, along with the RU Young Leaders conference on the Rutgers University – New Brunswick Campus.
Students may count TWO 1.5 credit classes toward the elective requirement of the political science major or minor. For the major, 250 and 251, or 250 and 253 (Topics in Political Science) can combine to satisfy one of the requirements in R7. Alternatively, they can combine to satisfy one course requirement for the minor.
Special Note: All enrolled students must facilitate at least one in-person RU Ready Civics Fair and one RU Ready Young Leaders Conference. All participants must enroll in Special Topics in Political Science 790:250 to participate in the program. Additionally, all enrolled students must meet the requirements of the New Jersey Department of Education and will be subject to a background check, fingerprinting, TB test, and Protection of Minors training.
Apply with your resume and completed application by Thursday, November 6th at 5:00 PM for consideration.
Benefits
- Assisting with RU Ready, specifically in facilitating civic fairs and conferences for local high and middle school students
- Develop leadership & presentation skills
- Gain research skills on civic education trends in the U.S.
- Develop facilitation and leadership skills.
- Earn 1.5 credits from successful completion
Qualifications
- Must be a current Rutgers University–New Brunswick undergraduate student
- Must be available to attend an in-person event off campus
- Interest in encouraging civic skill-building in young people
- Ability to speak to large groups of students
Due to the nature of the RU Ready program, all enrolled students must meet the requirements of the New Jersey Department of Education when working with minors. This includes:
- Negative TB Test
- Consent to to background check.
- Fingerprinting
- Completion of Rutgers University’s Protection of Minors training.
Civil Discourse Expectations
Classes, programs and other events convened by the Eagleton Institute of Politics are premised on the belief that, in order for our democracy to work, we need to be able to talk to each other. Students and other program participants are expected to engage in open and civil discourse, recognizing that meaningful exchange of ideas from different perspectives requires reasoned deliberation based on shared facts and conducted with respect and curiosity, and with affirmation of the humanity of all people irrespective of their historic marginalization, identity or socioeconomic status. In addition, like all Rutgers students, students at Eagleton are expected to comply with the Rutgers University Code of Conduct.
Students exhibiting behavior in class or online that conflicts with the Civil Discourse Expectations of the Eagleton Institute of Politics or with relevant sections of the University Student Code of Conduct may be removed from a class, given a failing grade for the course and/or terminated from the Darien Civic Engagement.
Free Expression at Rutgers University
Rutgers is committed to the freedom of speech. The free expression and discussion of ideas is essential to our university’s core mission and values. We encourage open and civil discussion, debate, and exploration of ideas and viewpoints while we preserve the right of all in our community to learn, teach, and carry out the university’s essential work. Please review the Free Expression at Rutgers website for more information about our community’s policies and standards.
Application Process
Complete the Darien Civic Engagement Project application by Thursday November 6th at 5:00PM
For more information about the program, please contact Rachel Druker at rdruker@eagleton.rutgers.edu.
A special thank you to:
The Darien Fund for the U.S. Constitution, Citizenship, and Civic Engagement and Rutgers Democracy Lab