The NYU Democracy Project
Join us on a bus to Pennsylvania for Get Out The Vote on October 26th! Sign up here!
The bus will leave from 238 Thompson St at 8:00 AM. We will be back in NY by 8:00-9:00 PM. Lunch, dinner, & water will be provided.
About the NYU Democracy Project
The NYU Democracy Project began in 2019 with the VOTE2020 Initiative, a project aimed at increasing voter engagement in the 2020 election both on NYU's campus and nationwide. Since then, the Project has continued funding student fellowships to expand the reach of non-partisan organizations working to strengthen our democracy. The Project also serves to connect NYU students to volunteer opportunities, sponsor voter engagement events, and foster community-building and professional development.
The NYU Democracy Project is led by Wagner Faculty members Professor Erica Foldy and Professor John Gershman.
Check out our factsheet to learn more about program activities and engagement.
Fellowships
The NYU Democracy Project offers two funded fellowships: LEAD Fellowships (open to all continuing and graduating NYU students, both undergraduate and graduate level) and Parke Fellowships (only for continuing and graduating graduate-level NYU students).
LEAD Fellowships
Open to all continuing and graduating NYU students, the LEAD Fellowship helps connect students with non-partisan organizations dedicated to promoting voter access and democracy across the United States. LEAD Fellows receive a generous stipend—$10,000 for masters students and $6,000 for undergraduates—to support their professional development and hands-on work with non-partisan groups. At a pivotal time for voting rights, the NYU Democracy Project's LEAD Fellowship empowers students to make a tangible impact and join the vital effort to ensure a democratic system that works for everyone.
The application for 2024 LEAD Fellowship is CLOSED. For updates on the next application cycle, please subscribe to our mailing list.
Questions? Email us at DemocracyProject@nyu.edu.
Parke Fellowships
The Parke Fellowship at the Brennan Center for Justice, the pre-eminent voting rights think tank in the country. This fall program is open to NYU graduate students with quantitative and analytical skills who have an interest in voting rights and social justice.
The application for 2024 Parke Fellowship is CLOSED. For updates on the next application cycle, please subscribe to our mailing list.
Questions? Email us at DemocracyProject@nyu.edu.
Volunteering
Individual Volunteering:
- Check out this list of organizations that offer volunteer opportunities around voter engagement and education.
- For a more extensive list and to discuss opportunities further, email DemocracyProject@nyu.edu
Group Volunteering:
The NYU Democracy Project sponsors regular civic engagement work, like get-out-the-vote canvassing and letter-writing parties in partnership with non-partisan, grassroots organizations. Please subscribe to our mailing list for updates on future opportunities and events.
Democracy Cohort
The NYU Democracy Project Cohort comprises LEAD and Parke Fellows, recipients of the Ellen Schall Experience Fund, as well as other NYU students working or volunteering in pro-democracy organizations or campaigns. In addition to experience gained on the job, the Cohort features ongoing programming facilitated by NYU faculty to enrich what students learn in the field and promote professional development. Programming includes guest speakers, civic engagement opportunities, and facilitated group reflection and community-building.
Other fellowships opportunities:
- Ellen Schall Experience Fund
- HeadCount Field Internship
- Social Impact Changemaker Fellowship
Already working in one of these capacities? Reach out to us at DemocracyProject@nyu.edu about joining the Democracy Cohort.
Meet the Fellows:
Read about current and past Democracy Fellows and what motivates their commitment to a more equitable and fair democracy.
Current Fellows
Previous Cohorts
- To sign up for our newsletter and receive updates on future fellowship application cycles, get-out-the-vote events, and democracy-related news, please subscribe to our mailing list here!
- Email Jocelyn Paquette, our Project Coordinator, at democracyproject@nyu.edu with any additional questions