Darien Civic Engagement Project
Experience Politics
For the upcoming spring 2025 semester, students can register for the 1.5 credit 790:251:Topics in Political Science: Darien Civic Engagement Project taught by Dr. Elizabeth Matto, director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics. Enrolled students will support the implementation of RU Ready, a nonpartisan, civic education program in high schools and middle schools designed to provide students with the resources and skills to address public problems in their communities. The Darien Class will meet Mondays from 10:20 AM and 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 RU Ready Civics Fairs and Young Leaders Conference for area high school and middle school students
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 two in-person RU Ready Civics Fairs and/or Young Leaders Conferences during the semester. Students must pass background checks and fingerprinting before the start of the spring semester. All participations must enroll in Special Topics in Political Science 790:251 to participate in the program.
Applications for the spring program have closed.
Benefits
- Assisting with RU Ready, specifically in facilitating RU Ready Civics Fairs and Young Leaders Conferences
- Develop leadership & presentation skills
- Gain research skills on youth voting behavior
- Engage with middle and high school age students in a meaningful way
- Earn 1.5 credits from successful completion
Qualifications
- Must be a current Rutgers University–New Brunswick undergraduate student
- Must be available to attend in-person events both on and off-campus
- In order to work with minors in a school setting, students must be able to pass a background check, fingerprinting, and TB test
- Interest in encouraging civic skill building in young people
- Ability to speak to large groups of students
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 November 7, 2024 at 5:00PM
For more information about the program, please contact Sophia Alexis at Sophia.alexis@eagleton.rutgers.edu.
A special thank you to:
The Darien Fund for the U.S. Constitution, Citizenship, and Civic Engagement