Research Opportunity: Assessment of Learning Outcomes in Nonpartisan Voter Engagement Programming

Posted by on March 10, 2026

Many of our campuses will put time and energy into supporting students through the process of registering and casting a ballot this fall through campus-based, nonpartisan efforts. And, this campus programming offers significant opportunities for the student leaders who drive this work on our campuses. However, to date, little research has been conducted that would allow us to make specific, data-based claims regarding specific learning outcomes for students, particularly not in connection with particular programming structures.

In order to fill this gap, we are collaborating on a research project entitled Assessment of Learning Outcomes in Nonpartisan Voter Engagement Programming. The essence of this project involves having students from a range of campuses complete a series of direct assessments connected to common components of campus action plans so we can measure student learning. The four assignments include a landscape analysis, writing a professional memo outlining the campaign plan and the role they expect to play, drafting a post-election analysis of the campaign’s results and recommendations for improvement, and a reflection on their experience.

We are currently recruiting campuses to participate in this research and particularly reaching out to individuals who serve as the coordinator of their campus’ voter engagement program to serve as their campus point person for this research. Briefly, campus coordinators will provide the research team with information about the structure of their school’s program, invite students to participate in the study, require students to complete four provided assessments into this fall, and collate and submit student work to the researchers. Participants will take part in an orientation and receive support and guidance from the PI team, if desired, regarding how to incorporate the assessments into their established action plan.

The first 25 individuals selected to serve as Campus Coordinators for this study will receive $500 for the work associated with this research once all requirements of participating in the study are complete. We are happy to incorporate more than 25 campuses into the study and will do our best to secure funding to support additional participants.

To register your interest in participating, please fill out this short form. To learn more about the project or to ask questions, please email Clarissa Unger at clarissa@slsvcoalition.org.