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NSLVE is a signature initiative of the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education (IDHE) at Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life. IDHE is an applied research center focused on college and university student political learning and participation in democracy.

IDHE researchers study:

• Voting
• Campus conditions for political learning and discussion
• Closing equity gaps in participation
• Increasing student agency and participation

Since NSLVE’s launch in 2013, more than 1,000 colleges and universities have signed up to receive their voting rates for the 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018 federal elections.

“Everything comes back to the students — they’re why I do this work.”
-Frederick Jenoure

For Interim Director Frederick Jenoure, the heart of the Binienda Center’s mission is helping students connect learning to leadership. Since joining 91������Ƶ three years ago, Frederick has focused on making the Binienda Center more “student-facing” by visiting club meetings, expanding campus visibility, and organizing monthly speaker series that bring students together with alumni and community leaders. He also made the Center more welcoming by having students work at the front desk, creating a more inclusive and approachable environment for visitors. With nearly two decades of experience at the University of Hartford supporting organizations like the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Caribbean American Student Association (CASA), he brings a deep understanding of how student groups can drive change. A recent success Frederick had within civic engagement at Worcester State was helping BSU organize a fashion show modeled after a similar event held at the University of Hartford, which became a celebrated symbol of student leadership and creativity for both communities. Additionally, he is planning a student leadership trip to Washington, D.C. in March of 2026, and coordinating the upcoming “Day of Care” event, which will unite students, nonprofits, and civic leaders including Representative Jim O’Day, who has championed state funding to support the Center’s mission, all efforts to improve student engagement and participation inside and outside of their community.

A key discovery made by Frederick through his experience working within universities was that civic engagement is essential to student growth, whether through volunteering, nonprofit work, or collaborating across campus. One of his main priorities is helping students get involved with nonprofit boards by teaching leadership and governance skills. To support this goal, he partners with , a local organization that provides resources and training to nonprofits, to place students in opportunities aligned with their majors for hands-on learning. Through these initiatives, he promotes civic engagement that is meaningful and impactful, without being confrontational. Beyond Worcester State, he’s active in Worcester’s nonprofit and civic sectors, from to and . Reflecting on his connection with past students, Frederick shared that many still reach out years later for advice, affectionately calling him “Uncle Fred.” This highlights again the importance of cultivating strong relationships with students because they can spark powerful initiatives and encourage meaningful civic engagement even years later. His message to students is simple but powerful: civic engagement isn’t just activism. Civic engagement is leadership, community, and the path to meaningful change.