Dr. Cleopatra Charles Receives RU-N Grant to Help Foster Connections Between Students and Newark Community Leaders

Dr. Cleopatra Charles, associate professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University–Newark, has received one of nine grants from Rutgers-Newark as part of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA) Innovation Grants Program. The purpose of the IDEA Grant program at Rutgers-Newark is to invest in grassroots efforts involving research, scholarly activities, and community engagement projects that advance the role of Rutgers-Newark as an anchor institution in the city. The awardees were chosen by the Chancellor's Diversity and Transformation Commission from 26 applicants and will each receive $5,000.

Dr. Charles will lead an initiative to foster partnerships between students and Newark community leaders:

Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Dialogue for Civic Engagement

This is initiative is designed to foster meaningful connections between students and Newark community leaders. This project creates a structured platform for intergenerational dialogue, allowing students to learn directly from activists, policymakers, and civic leaders who have shaped Newark’s history of advocacy and community engagement. Through a semester-long monthly workshop series, students will explore the evolution of civic strategies, gain experienced leaders, and develop practical skills in advocacy, leadership, and community-based research. The effort is led by Cleopatra Charles, Associate Professor, School of Public Affairs and Administration. 

Read more on the other grant awards here.