Get Involved

Students

There are a range of ways undergraduate and graduate students can get involved at the Eagleton Institute of Politics, including curricular education programs, internship awards and placements, courses, campaign and leadership trainings, as well as research and volunteer opportunities.

Get Involved

Eagleton helps Rutgers graduate and undergraduate students link the study of American politics to the day-to-day practice through a variety of curricular and special initiative programs.

Curricular Education Programs

Eagleton Graduate Fellowship in Politics and Government
Apply for the Class of 2026 cohort starting January 31, 2025.  
The Eagleton Fellowship offers select Rutgers graduate students the opportunity to further their understanding of government, public affairs, and the practice of politics. All Rutgers graduate students are eligible to apply for this one-year, interdisciplinary certificate program.

Eagleton Undergraduate Associates

The 2026 Undergraduate Associates program application period ended on October 21 at 5:00 pm. Late applications are not accepted. Notifications will be sent by mid-November via email.

Eagleton Undergraduate Associates learn about real-world politics and government from experienced practitioners and faculty. Rutgers University juniors from any school or major are eligible to apply for this selective three-semester certificate program.

Undergraduate Student Awards, Programs and Opportunities

Aresty Research Assistant Program
Eagleton faculty regularly work with undergraduate students through the Rutgers University Aresty Research Assistant Program.

Attend an Event
The Eagleton Institute presents an annual event series designed to promote civil discourse that celebrates democracy, respects politics, and encourages civic engagement.

Darien Civic Engagement Project
Undergraduate students earn Political Science course credits and gain practical experience in civic education as well as voter registration, education, and mobilization.

First Year Interest Groups (FIGS)
To schedule an information session with Eagleton faculty and staff, contact Sarah Kozak at skozak@eagleton.rutgers.edu.

Eagleton-NJPRO Business and Policy Undergraduate Research Award

This endowed paid research award was established at Eagleton through the generosity of the New Jersey Policy Research Organization (NJ PRO) Foundation, Inc. to support students in conducting research focused on how state or federal politics and public policy impact New Jersey’s business community. Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors from Rutgers New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden campus locations who are Eagleton undergraduate associates, interns or affiliates. Rutgers Business School students may also be considered at Eagleton’s discretion. Please contact Sarah Kozak for details.

The Eagleton Political Journal is a non-partisan, academic-based student journal dedicated to transforming political thought into meaningful practice. By providing a student platform for thought-provoking political research and analysis, the Eagleton Political Journal will act as a hub for political dialogue. The journal will enable students from across Rutgers the opportunity to engage with and learn about American politics. With the Eagleton Political Journal, Rutgers continues to serve its students and the greater New Jersey community as a centerpiece for political discourse and engagement.

Kathy Crotty Legislative Internship Award

Annual award offered to Undergraduate Associates in honor of Kathy Crotty, a leader on the staff of the New Jersey Legislature for 35 years. Recipients are placed in the New Jersey Legislature at State House and receive $500 to help pay for travel expenses. Contact Sarah Kozak for details

NEW Leadership®
NEW Leadership® is CAWP’s national initiative to educate and empower the next generation of women leaders. NEW Leadership® teaches college women the value of civic engagement and encourages them to see themselves as empowered leaders who can effectively participate in politics and public policy.

Ready to Run®
Ready to Run® is a national network of non-partisan campaign training programs committed to electing more women to public office.

RU Ready
A civic engagement initiative, Rutgers undergraduates work with local high school students to build civic, political, and expressive skills needed to address public problems in their communities.

RU Running
A training program for politically interested college students considering running for public office or interested in working on a campaign.

RU Voting
A non-partisan effort, RU Voting encourages Rutgers students to pay attention to politics, register to vote, and turn out on Election Day.

Rutgers-Eagleton Washington Internship Award Program
The Rutgers-Eagleton Washington Internship Award Program provides one-time grants of up to $6,000 to outstanding Rutgers undergraduate students for summer internships in government or nonprofits in Washington, D.C. The monetary award is meant to ease the financial burden of working in Washington D.C. and is intended to offset living expenses.

Rutgers Scarlet Service in Washington DC (RSS-DC) 

RSS-DC program provides meaningful summer internship experiences to Rutgers University undergraduate students at government offices and public service-orientated nonprofit organizations while expanding their knowledge and skills to be engaged citizens. The selective program provides a summer internship, stipend, 3-paid credits, and free housing, along with a variety of professional development opportunities while fostering an appreciation for public service.

Rutgers Scarlet Service Internship (RSSI) 

RSSI provides summer internship experiences to undergraduate students at public service-oriented non-profit organizations and direct-service government offices in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania while expanding their knowledge and skills to engage as active citizens. This selective program provides a summer internship, stipend and 3-paid credits.

The John and Ann Holt Endowed Undergraduate Applied Research Fund in American Politics
The John and Ann Holt Endowed Undergraduate Applied Research Fund in American Politics provides support for a Rutgers undergraduate student in his or her junior or senior year to conduct research, under the supervision of Eagleton or other Rutgers faculty, on a topic in applied American politics.

Young Elected Leaders Project
Launched in 2002 with funding from the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Young Elected Leaders Project (YELP) studies and works with young people who run for public office.

 

 

 

Graduate Student Programs

Attend an Event
The Eagleton Institute presents an annual event series designed to promote civil discourse that celebrates democracy, respects politics, and encourages civic engagement.

Eagleton Science and Politics Program
Events and workshops enable graduate students, post-docs, and faculty to explore intersections between science and politics in order to increase their understanding of how politics affects their disciplines and how they can effectively engage with political and policymaking leaders and institutions.

RU Running
A training program for politically interested college students considering running for public office or interested in working on a campaign.

Ready to Run®
Ready to Run® is a national network of non-partisan campaign training programs committed to electing more women to public office. Rutgers students can apply for a scholarship to attend.

Work at Eagleton

Employment Opportunities and Internships

Undergraduate and graduate students can earn credit or pay for their work with various Eagleton centers and programs through internships and research assistant positions. Volunteers and work study students also assist Eagleton in its work. For internships, part-time, or full-time opportunities, visit our career webpage.

Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) Internships
Center for Youth Political Participation Internships
Eagleton Center on the American Governor Internships
Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling Internships

Courses at Eagleton

Fall 2024

Monday:
Federal Prosecution: The Justice Department
12:10pm – 3:10pm
Instructor: Elie Honig
Course number: (01:790:349:02- 09831)

Undergraduate Associate Internship
5:40pm – 8:40pm
Instructor: Francine Newsome Pfeiffer
Course number: (01:790:481:02 – 09860)

Tuesday:
Byrne: The American Governor 
10:20am – 11:40pm
Instructor: Kristoffer Shields
Course number: (01:090:101:28-06271)

Race, Gender and American Politics
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Instructor: Paru Shah
Course number: (01:790:395:01-09847)

Political Campaigning
5:40pm – 8:40pm
Instructor: Michael DuHaime/Amy Funck
Course number: (01:790:301:01-09813)

Wednesday:
Election: Bakers Dozen
8:30am – 11:30am
Instructor: Ross Baker/Amy Funck
Course number: (01:790:428-09857)

Women and American Politics
10:20am – 1:20pm
Instructor: Kira Sanbonmatsu
Course number: (01:790:335:01- 000045)

Proseminar in Public Law
12:10pm – 3:10pm
Instructor: Milton Heumann
Course number: (16:790:605:01- 16442)

Research in Critical Intelligence Studies: Network Contagion Lab
10:20am – 1:20pm (Carriage House) 
Instructor: Ava Majlesi
Course number: (01:790:484:03- 09868)

 Thursday:
Darien Civic Engagement
12:10pm – 1:30pm
Instructor: Ginger Gold Schnitzer
Course number: (01:790:250:01- 09795)

Byrne: Talking Politics
2:00pm-3:20pm
Instructor: Elizabeth Matto
Course number: (01:090:101:46-23488)

Friday:
Perspectives on American Politics
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Instructor: Missy Balmir and Amanda DePalma
Course number: (16:790:595:01-16437)

Online Asynchronous:
Survey Research Methods
Instructor: Ashley Koning
Course number: (01:790:307 – 09818)

Hours by arrangement:
CAWP Internship
Instructor: TBD
Course number: (01:790:481:03-09861)

Eagleton Internship
Instructor: Sarah Kozak
Course number: (01:790:481:05 – 24375)

Research in Critical Intelligence Studies
Instructor: Ava Majlesi
Course number: (01:790:484:01-09866)

Research in Critical Intelligence Studies
Instructor: Ava Majlesi
Course number: (01:790:484:01-09867)

Research in Critical Intelligence Studies
Instructor: Ava Majlesi
Course number: (01:790:484:01-09869)

Additional Courses to Note:

Tuesday/Thursdays 3:50-5:10 pm
CDL 103
American Presidency
Instructor: Din Ambar
Course number: (01:790:360:01-09817)

Fridays 10:20-1:20pm
Hickman 207
Critical Thinking and Writing for Intelligence Community
Instructor: Elie Honig
Course number: (01:790:483:03-09865)

Student Internship & Volunteer Opportunities in Government & Politics

Eagleton does not endorse or support any candidates or campaigns. The listing is provided as a service to Rutgers students. Opportunities appear as they are received by Eagleton.

To submit an opportunity, click here.