Scarlet Service 2024 Full Group with Holloway

Rutgers Scarlet Service Stories

This past summer, 150 students worked alongside state and national policymakers, tackled issues of food insecurity, provided guidance for at-risk youth and made a difference in many other ways through Scarlet Service.

Now in its third year, the program establishes civic engagement as a critical component of higher education and forges a path toward appreciating each other’s differences, restoring civil discourse and serving the common good.

President Jonathan Holloway created the program because he believes Rutgers should be a leader in its commitment to public service. “Students will work for nonprofits, serve the broader community and gain the opportunity to learn about people who are unlike themselves – who face different struggles and come from different backgrounds, countries, races or religions,” he said.

Participating in this program will make our students better citizens and our world a better place.

President Jonathan Holloway

Meet the Interns

Scarlet Service in Action

Watch students share their civic engagement stories.

About Rutgers Scarlet Service

Through Rutgers Scarlet Service, undergraduates from all campuses are selected for internship experiences at public service-oriented nonprofit organizations and direct-service government offices. Students gain hands-on experience addressing national issues including public health, infrastructure, education and the environment while developing a better understanding of themselves and building relationships with others. Participating students receive stipends and take related 3-credit courses.

The program began in the summer of 2022 with 100 students interning in and around New Jersey. Rutgers Scarlet Service has already grown to include an additional cohort in Washington, D.C., the epicenter of American government, politics and public leadership.