The RU Engaged Byrne seminar, a weeklong service program for first-year Rutgers University students, expanded its efforts during spring break, according to an April 6 announcement. The initiative brought together about 20 students who worked with food-security organizations in New Brunswick and is set to grow next year.
The program aims to connect students with the local community while addressing important social issues such as food security. Through hands-on projects like building garden beds and serving at local pantries, participants engaged directly with residents and organizations. This approach is designed to foster stronger ties between the university and its surrounding neighborhoods.
“This experience has truly been transformative,” said Isabelle Latorre, a student majoring in molecular biology and biochemistry at the School of Arts and Sciences. “I felt incredibly fulfilled seeing our team’s efforts create such a tremendous impact and becoming much closer to the New Brunswick community in only a few days.” The seminar was developed by Kathe Newman, professor at Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, alongside Cara Cuite from the Department of Human Ecology.
Newman said, “RU Engaged spring break was designed to help students understand that Rutgers and New Brunswick are deeply interconnected.” She added that they hope the course fosters meaningful learning experiences between students and community partners. Cuite said, “We were blown away by the commitment and energy of the students, and we hope it is only the first of many times they will partner with these New Brunswick organizations.”
Rutgers-New Brunswick Chancellor Francine Conway commented on how RU Engaged aligns with broader goals: “RU Engaged brings together academic learning and meaningful community engagement in a way that benefits both our students and the city of New Brunswick. It reflects our commitment to preparing students not only for careers, but for lives of purpose and impact.” Next year’s expansion will include three classes addressing different social issues.
According to the official website, the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy operates as part of Rutgers University—the State University of New Jersey—and focuses on fostering just, socially inclusive communities locally as well as globally. The school also advances social impact through research centers dedicated to areas like community development, transportation policy, health initiatives, workforce development, and energy policy according to its official website. Stuart Shapiro became dean in 2023 according to school records.
The Bloustein School has earned national recognition for its programs; it ranks third nationally for graduate urban planning programs and fourth for undergraduate public health programs according to official rankings. It also honors distinguished alumni through its Hall of Fame established in 2013 along with annual achievement awards dating back decades as noted by school sources.
Michelle Gil from Unity Square said she looks forward to seeing what grows from this partnership: “We can’t wait for the students to come back in a few months to see the vegetables growing in the garden beds that they built.” Participants expressed enthusiasm about future involvement; first-year engineering student Robert Sorkin described RU Engaged as “the first program I’ve seen that really tries” connecting campus life directly with real-world experiences.