Education programs have been central to the mission of the Eagleton Institute of Politics since its earliest days, affording outstanding Rutgers students opportunities to study the practical applications of what they learn in the classroom. Eagleton’s Undergraduate Associates Program was established in 1974 in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, building on the success of the graduate-level Eagleton Fellowship Program started when the Institute was founded.

The Undergraduate Associates program offers an opportunity for a select group of students to study government and politics together during their last three semesters at Rutgers. By means of special seminars, a supervised internship, and discussions with governmental officials and political practitioners, Undergraduate Associates explore applications of political science to the practice and processes of American politics.

Now the Institute proposes to expand and thereby strengthen its offerings for undergraduates through creation of Undergraduate Awards for the Study and Practice of Politics. This flexible funding will expand the possibilities for Rutgers students – including, but not limited to, Eagleton Undergraduate Associates – to reach beyond disciplinary courses, to learn through experience about the practice of politics, and to develop their own applied research projects. Such experience will strengthen their credentials for application to graduate and professional schools as well as for employment.

Students would apply for support for advanced work in applied politics, which could be used for:

• Internship stipends: In the increasingly competitive workforce, students who have completed internships have a considerable edge, having honed their professional skills and explored the areas of their intended careers. Yet few paid internships are available in the area of politics and government, leaving students who must earn money for their education and personal expenses at a distinct disadvantage when they are unable to accept unpaid internships. Stipends could support students for term-time or summer internships, most likely either in Trenton or in Washington, DC.

• Research support: Conducting research on events, trends and opinions is a valuable way for students to improve their own and others’ understanding of politics. Under the supervision of Eagleton or other Rutgers faculty, students could undertake independent research projects focusing on topics in applied politics. Funds might support surveys, interviews, or travel to observe an election, to cite only a few of the possibilities.

• Work-study opportunities: Students could use funding to participate in summer or term-time programs offered by other institutions and organizations, such as the Public Leadership Education Network. (PLEN programs bring young women to Washington DC to meet with and learn from women leaders in the Congress, courts, executive agencies and advocacy organizations.) These programs offer valuable exposure to political practitioners and hands-on experience, but many charge fees or provide only minimal financial aid, putting them out of reach of low-income students.

• Summer study: Students might use support from the fund for summer study in conjunction with a political job or internship.

Whatever their interest, students would apply for an award, explaining what they planned to do and how it would advance their understanding of practical politics. Those who won awards would be required to submit a journal, paper, final report or other product demonstrating what they had accomplished.