Montclair State University Earns National Recognition for Nonpartisan Civic Engagement Efforts

Montclair State University has been awarded the Highly Established Action Plan Seal for the 2026 election cycle by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, recognizing the University’s exemplary commitment to promoting civic engagement among its students.

This distinction is awarded to institutions that develop and implement robust, data-informed action plans designed to increase civic learning, political engagement and student voter participation. Montclair State University’s plan earned 31.5 out of 36 possible points on the Strengthening American Democracy Action Planning Guide (SADG) Rubric, placing it among the top-performing campuses nationwide.

Montclair is one of 129 colleges and universities across the country to receive this prestigious recognition for the 2026 election cycle, underscoring its leadership in fostering a culture of civic responsibility and student participation in democracy.

Since joining the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge in 2016, Montclair State University has consistently developed and refined action plans aimed at institutionalizing civic engagement efforts. These plans emphasize inclusive, equitable and sustained strategies that extend beyond election cycles and are embedded across academic and co-curricular experiences.

Montclair State University’s Office of Civic and Voter Engagement developed the action plan submitted to the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. The plan highlights the University’s ongoing work to expand civic learning, increase student voter participation and strengthen nonpartisan engagement across campus. Through voter registration drives, educational programming and campus-wide initiatives, the office works to ensure students have the knowledge, resources and opportunities to participate fully in the democratic process while advancing the University’s broader goals for civic participation.

For more information about the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge and the Highly Established Action Plan Seal, visit allin.vote/HEAP.