About the Guarini Institute
Government and Leadership
Guarini Institute facilitates internships and service learning for students interested in pursuing careers in government and public service by partnering with key elected officials and leaders at all levels of the government and connects students to relevant academic and career resources that provide targeted skill-building to prepare and equip them for their leadership trajectories and public service. Through our Guarini lecture series, we invite key elected leaders for students to have an opportunity to interact and learn about their organization’s role and their personal experiences in the public sector.
Civic Dialogue and Mobilization
We serve as a bridge that connects Saint Peter’s University and the broader community of Jersey City and beyond. Through our Civic Action Lab initiative, we promote civic education that engages students and community members to be responsible and productive citizens. We examine the implications and responsibilities of living in a global society and provide opportunities to interact with today’s leaders from the local to global level to counter misinformation and engage in thoughtful discussions on important public policy issues. Guarini Institute strives to provide a platform for public dialogue and civic engagement that fosters a deeper understanding of experiences and perspectives regarding policies and political issues and the ways they impact the community.
Research and Advocacy
We spotlight data-driven research and community-based initiatives to inform policy debate and advocate for legislation that seeks to address social issues that impact the lives of community members. We advocate for community-based initiatives at the local, national, and international levels that align with the University’s mission to develop the whole person, and at a broader scale, improve service delivery and develop and strengthen local communities, beginning with Jersey City. Through our Open Dialogue forums, we invite key elected officials, innovative leaders, and nationally and internationally renowned scholars to expand our understanding of democratic processes and examine key political issues of topical importance at the local, national, and international levels. *All Institute events are free and open to the public. Please note that the use of the University forum does not imply acceptance or endorsement by the University of the views expressed by any speaker.
Local and Global Service
At the Guarini Institute, we believe that the world is interconnected and that we have a social responsibility to engage in service to the community both locally and globally. Therefore, at the Guarini Institute, we offer a series of events, programs, and encounters aimed at enhancing knowledge of international affairs and are proponents in achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. As part of our Global Affairs initiative, we promote and collaborate with service projects aimed at the development and sustainability of communities. Additionally, each year the Guarini Institute at Saint Peter’s University hosts the High School Model UN (SPUHSMUN), and students actively participate in the National Model United Nations in Washington, D.C., to expand students’ understanding and participation in international affairs.
