Rutgers Scarlet Service in Washington, D.C.

• Stipends, Free Housing, and Experience: Accepted students receive a cash stipend for completing a hands-on summer internship in public service where they make a difference, contribute to solutions of societal problems, view the workings of the government from a fresh perspective, and develop a better understanding of practical politics.
  
  *Note: Students are responsible for applicable taxes.
• Knowledge and Scholarships: Accepted students participate in a course designed to explore and engage with the topic of public service while building their career readiness and professionalism skills. Scarlet Service students also receive a scholarship to cover the expense of the 3-credit course.
• Networking and Events: Meet talented students across Rutgers University who have a passion for making the world a better place. Accepted students will participate in a variety of in-person events where they will hear from guest speakers from the world of public service and build fellowship with one another. After their summer internship experience, students will share their stories and experiences at a September celebration with the broader university community. Scarlet Service students will also be invited to various networking events in Washington, DC, where they will have the opportunity to engage with Rutgers alumni, friends of the university, and others!

The application process for Rutgers Scarlet Service  is open to current Rutgers sophomores and juniors from all schools. Applicants must have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the university. Applicants must also be able to live in Washington, DC for the duration of their internship and have the ability to travel to their internship site. They must also have a passion for government work and/or a desire to engage in public service.

• Candidates will have to complete an application form, attach a resume and unofficial transcript, and respond to the essay prompts. The application form also asks for the names, titles, and contact information of two references, with at least one being an academic reference.
• Student applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and administrators. Student applicants are usually notified of their status in the program by the end of January.
• Internship placement will be facilitated by the program, but students are encouraged to begin the internship search process before selection to the program is made. Specific information about the placement process will be shared with applicants upon admission to the program.

Yes, though it will need to be approved by Rutgers Scarlet Service. Specific information about this process will be shared with applicants upon admission to the program.

The internship course is a 3-credit, in-person internship course. This course is meant to ground students’ experience at their public service internships, providing them with the theoretical foundation and professional and civic skillset to thrive in their work and take advantage of all that Washington, DC has to offer. Through readings, reflections, and guest speakers, students will explore and engage with the topic of public service while building their career readiness and professionalism.

Yes, international students eligible for Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) can apply to the Rutgers Scarlet Service program. This includes the fulfillment of at least one academic year in the United States.

Yes, undocumented students are welcome to apply. Rutgers Scarlet Service is open to all students regardless of immigration status. Please email rss-dc@rutgers.edu with any questions or visit the following resources:

• New Brunswick Office of the Dean of Students
• Newark Office of Undocumented Student Services
• Camden Center for Advising and Academic Success