Applications are open for the Rutgers Democracy Lab's (RDL) Think & Do Tank 2026-2027. As an immersive civic learning and capacity building experience, the Think & Do Tank strengthens students’ skills in democratic citizenship and problem-solving by tackling real community challenges, developing solutions with faculty support, and turning ideas into action. The deadline to apply is March 13. Students earn academic credit and a stipend. Open to Rutgers–New Brunswick undergraduate students. 

The Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) has announced the 2026 call for applications for the Ruth B. Mandel Dissertation Research Awards. These awards—established in honor of CAWP co-founder and director Ruth B. Mandel and made possible thanks to the generosity of Ruth's family—support dissertation research on women, gender, and U.S. politics. The deadline to apply is May 15. Learn more about eligibility, requirements, award details, and submit your application using the link below.

Last week, the Eagleton Science and Politics Program hosted their annual Bridge Builders Workshop. Eagleton's Ginger Schnitzer and The Boggs Center's Dr. Deborah Spitalnik guided fellows from the NJLEND program and the Eagleton Science and Politics Program through legislative mechanics and practical communication strategy for effective committee testimony. Fellows explored the legislative process, examining how legislation moves, how to analyze legislation, and how committee hearings function. 

The Center for Youth Political Participation (CYPP) welcomed Jersey City as a new partner to the RU Ready Civics Fair program last week. Hosting the city's first Civics Fair at Ezra L. Nolan Middle School, the RU Ready interns welcomed nearly 300 seventh-grade students from five local schools. The program anticipates working with approximately 3,200 students this academic year, with plans to expand to more rural districts in the upcoming years.

The RU Ready Civics Fair is made possible by the generous support of the New Jersey State Bar Foundation and the Rutgers Democracy Lab.

This week, Eagleton's Director of Education and Strategic Initiatives, Ginger Schnitzer, led undergraduate students in Professor Richard Bagger's "Legislatures and Politics" class on a tour of New Jersey's State House. The students followed the path of legislation, observed the NJ Assembly Education Committee in action, and met with legislators, executive staff, and many Rutgers/Eagleton alumni along the way.

Want to learn more about the Think & Do Tank? Join the RDL for an upcoming info session on Thursday, March 5, 1:00-3:00PM at the Hatchery in Alexander Library.

Meet with RDL staff, faculty, and the current Think & Do Tank cohort to learn about current projects, what to expect from the program, and benefits before you apply. Open to Rutgers–New Brunswick undergraduate students.

Join the Center for Youth Political Participation and GenZ for New Jersey on March 25 for an interactive political campaigning workshop for young adults interested in running for office. The event will feature breakout rooms with NJ-based campaign experts on fundraising, campaign communications, and creating a successful campaign strategy. Plus, a networking reception with young elected leaders and representatives of various political campaigns in Middlesex County will be held following the workshop. Open to current Rutgers University undergraduate and graduate students only.