Working Where Democracy Happens
Building the Next Generation of Civic Leaders
250 years ago, the Founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence and began the American Experiment. Since then, students have been some of democracy’s greatest protectors.
In 2026, Wesleyan University continues that tradition in partnership with colleges and universities nationwide. Together, we will give students—here at Wesleyan and across the country—practical, non-partisan election training, empowering them to step forward, lead, and strengthen the democracy that gives all Americans a voice.
Teach the Leaders of a Free, Fair Future
In a moment when voters across party lines feel democracy is in crisis, higher education is essential. That’s why Wesleyan is calling colleges and universities across the United States to join this Democracy Summer partnership.
Opportunities to support rising student leaders span the program. Allied institutions can contribute to Work Where Democracy Happens in the form of:
Provide structured learning opportunities that prepare students for responsible engagement. This may include:
- Foundational workshops on election processes and administration
- Coaching and mentoring support
- Curriculum collaboration or subject-matter expertise
- Access to data, research, or practice-based knowledge
Help identify and channel talented students and collaborators into Work Where Democracy Happens. This may include:
- Nominating students
- Promoting opportunities through networks
- Co-hosting informational sessions
- Identifying emerging leaders from underrepresented communities
Assist in securing meaningful placements for students. This may include:
- Hosting students directly
- Connecting with election officials or civic institutions
- Advising on best-fit placement models
- Providing supervision or on-site mentorship
Serve as trusted advisors as we refine structure and strategy. This may include:
- Periodic consultation
- Feedback on program design and evaluation
- Guidance on national trends in election administration and civic engagement
Support the operational and student-facing costs of the initiative, including:
- Stipends for student placements
- Training and coaching infrastructure
- Program staffing and coordination
- Documentation and evaluation
Collaborate directly in executing elements of the work. This may include:
- Co-designing civic engagement initiatives
- Supporting implementation in targeted states or communities
- Integrating our Democracy Summer students into ongoing campaigns or projects
Help tell the story of the work and elevate impact. This may include:
- Producing written, digital, or multimedia content
- Amplifying student experiences
- Showcasing best practices in civic leadership development
Live Your Cardinal Virtues
Our students join Wesleyan to belong to a community defined by boldness, rigor, and practical idealism. This Democracy Summer program is their chance to act on those values when they matter most.
More than an internship, this hands-on initiative is a leadership pipeline where students prepare to provide meaningful support to election offices and partner organizations during active election cycles.
Our Democracy Summer students will learn how to engage in the electoral ecosystem and ensure democracy for all thanks to:
Democracy Happens Wherever You Are
Work Where Democracy Happens goes beyond one party, one state, or one campus. This is a movement for any student in America who cares about the power of their voice and the future of our nation’s hard-won freedoms.
To learn how to get involved, students nationwide can see if their school belongs to Campus Compact. As the largest, oldest association dedicated to promoting civic engagement in higher education, Campus Compact empowers colleges and universities to join with their communities to further the public good.
“Now is the time for everyone — Republicans, Democrats and independents — to come together and defend our foundational democratic right. And higher education has a unique role to play.” ”
