Wesleyan Engage 2020 Initiative

Wesleyan Engage 2020

The Wesleyan Engage 2020 (E2020) initiative is a comprehensive university effort to support student learning via civic engagement and liberal arts education. E2020 is open to and encourages participation regardless of political affiliations or stances on specific issues.

Wesleyan University has a long history of supporting student engagement in the public sphere. Wesleyan’s Civic Action Plan sets goals for building civic preparedness among students, faculty, and staff and for enhancing the University’s role in public life.

This moment represents a unique opportunity for civic participation and liberal learning through engagement with the public sphere. With the launch of the E2020 Initiative we will provide pathways for student skill and leadership development via direct participation in civic life.  In the coming weeks, we will announce a menu of programs aligned with E2020.  The first stage of E2020, however, will make available course credit and funding for students who wish to engage in voter registration efforts, issue advocacy, or political campaigns at the local, state or national level.

CSPL 494

Participants will enroll in CSPL494 through pre-registration for the semester of the break (Fall and Spring) or following the break (Winter and Summer).  This quarter credit course will include orientation, structured reflection, and a final paper.

Funding Support

Participants can apply to the E2020 Fund for transportation and living expenses. Applications will be assessed based on the degree to which they address the educational value inherent in civic engagement on contentious matters, as well as according to the reasonableness of proposed budgets. Applications will not be evaluated on the political nature of specific causes, which are chosen and pursued wholly according to the interests of individual participants.

If you are interested in funding support please fill out the E2020 Initiative Fund Application. (Applications for Spring Break will be live in January).

  • Applications for Winter Break support are due Friday December 13, 2019.
    • Students can expect to hear back from the team by Tuesday December 17, 2019.
  • Applications for Spring Break support are due Friday February 7, 2020.
    • Students can expect to hear back from the team by Friday February 21, 2020.
  • Application deadlines for the Summer and Fall Breaks TBA.