A collage of vintage campaign materials featuring Gene McCarthy, including posters, buttons, newspaper clippings, and illustrations. The theme revolves around McCarthy's presidential candidacy.

Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy & Civic Engagement

Logo of the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy & Civic Engagement at CSB SJU, with white text on a blue background, and a hexagon containing "CSB SJU" in red on the left.

In the Spotlight

Denis McDonough will return to CSB and SJU as scholar-in-residence during the 2025-26 academic year.

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Check out our programs!

McCarthy Mentor Program

Launch Your Career! Connect, Learn, and Grow with Mentors

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CSB/SJU Scholarships and Fellowships

Fund Your Future! Scholarships, Fellowships, and Internships

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Public Policy & Civic Engagement


Founded in 2006, the McCarthy Center serves as a dynamic learning community and resource hub for students, faculty, staff and alums interested in exploring public policy and civic engagement.

Collaborative Learning

  • On- and off-campus programs and activities
  • Partnerships with departments and organizations

Career Development

  • Resources for internships and networking
  • Mentoring in public policy and public affairs

Civic Engagement

  • Events for meaningful discussions and debates

Whether you’re looking to enhance your academic experience or jumpstart a career in public policy, the McCarthy Center is here to support your journey.

I am hopeful that this challenge may alleviate this sense of political helplessness and restore to many people a belief in the processes of American politics and of American government.

Eugene McCarthy, 1968 Presidential Campaign.
McCarthy Mentorship
McCarthy Lecture

Engage. Learn. Connect.

Events & Programming

Dive into a range of compelling events and programming offered by the McCarthy Center. From thought-provoking lectures and vibrant discussions to hands-on volunteer opportunities, we invite you to explore topics that shape our society. Join us for dynamic conversations on civil rights, politics, misinformation and civic life – plus unique, live theater experiences that bring history to life.

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A group of people are gathered in a room with large windows and various artworks. An older man with glasses, standing and speaking, captures the group's attention. Some are seated while others stand around a large wooden table set with art supplies.
Two people are standing and smiling in a well-lit office. The younger person on the left is wearing a green sweater and tan pants, while the older person on the right is wearing a grayish zip-up sweater. Both have their arms around each other’s shoulders. Office cubicles and equipment can be seen in the background.

Empowering Future Leaders in Public Policy

McCarthy Center Opportunities

Unlock your potential with the McCarthy Center’s diverse range of scholarships, fellowships, internships and leadership programs. Whether you’re looking to gain hands-on experience in public policy, secure funding for research or explore pathways to graduate school, the McCarthy Center connects you to opportunities that inspire growth and impact. From prestigious scholarships like the John E. Robson Award to transformative experiences like the Summer Leadership Fellows, we support students in pursuing meaningful careers and making a difference in their communities.

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Strengthening Partnerships, Advancing Understanding

Initiative for Native Nation Relations

The Initiative for Native Nation Relations (INNR) at CSB+SJU is dedicated to building meaningful connections with Native Nations through research, collaboration and service. By addressing topics like truth and healing from Native American boarding schools, protecting sacred sites and supporting Native youth college access, INNR fosters mutual understanding and promotes equity. Explore how we engage with Native communities to support their priorities and cultivate lasting relationships.

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A person dressed in vibrant Native American regalia with feathers and traditional patterns performs at a cultural event. Audience members, some seated and some standing, watch the performance in a large indoor space.
A black and white portrait of an older, suited man with light hair against a dark background, positioned on the left side of the image, with ample negative space on the right.

Who was …
Eugene J. McCarthy?

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