RU Ready
A civic education initiative in area high schools and middle schools providing the civic, political, and expressive tools needed to address public problems in ones community.
Learn MoreAbout CYPP
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.
Our Mission
The Eagleton Institute of Politics’ Center for Youth Political Participation at Rutgers University–New Brunswick advances the political learning and engagement of young people and equips them to be active citizens and leaders. For young people to assume their place in the political process, the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of political participation must be taught. Through education, research, and public service, the Center for Youth Political Participation plays a lead role locally, regionally, and nationally in fostering and promoting the active citizenship and leadership of future generations.
The Center for Youth Political Participation directs programs that engage young adults to think critically about political participation and the role they can play as an individual, or as part of a group. Programs include:
- RU Ready: In partnership with the Rutgers Democracy Lab, RU Ready is 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.
- RU Voting: In partnership with the Rutgers Democracy Lab, RU Voting is a nonpartisan effort to register, mobilize and engage Rutgers University students to participate in politics and vote in local, state and national elections.
- Rutgers-Eagleton Washington Internship Award: An award program providing up to $6,000.00 to outstanding Rutgers undergraduate from all campuses, majors, and years for in-person summer internships in government, nonprofit, or advocacy organizations in Washington, D.C.
- Young Elected Leaders Project: Research program studying and working with young people who run for or hold public office by providing unique insight into youth representation in U.S. political institutions, and studying young leaders’ experiences in public office.
The Eagleton Institute of Politics is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026. Learn more here.
Civil Discourse Expectations
Classes, programs and other events convened by the Center for Youth Political Participation 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 Center.
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.
Our Team
Our work is driven by a team of faculty, staff, and Rutgers University students. Working as interns, participating in the Darien Civic Engagement Project and assisting as volunteers, students are at the heart of our team. Meet our team.
Our Sponsors
Thank you to our current sponsors:
Maury Lieberman and Leslie Scallet
New Jersey State Bar Foundation
New Brunswick Public Schools
Edith Neimark, Ph.D.
Steven and Susan Darien
The Darien Fund for the U.S. Constitution, Citizenship, and Civic Engagement
The League of Women Voters of New Jersey
For information about how to contribute to the Center for Youth Political Participation, contact Sue Nemeth at (609) 647-7961 or gsnemeth@eagleton.rutgers.edu.