By the Numbers
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The University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy brings people together to generate ideas and solutions that build a better democracy for all. As a nonpartisan, pan-University institute, we connect scholars, students, practitioners, and communities to advance democracy through research, teaching, public engagement, and real-world impact.
In the 2024–25 academic year, the Institute carried out a robust slate of programs, partnerships, research, and events—demonstrating our commitment to addressing democracy’s enduring and emerging challenges.
People
37
student interns and researchers from across UVA worked with the Karsh Institute, joining us from the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, School of Engineering and Applied Science, McIntire School of Commerce, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and School of Education and Human Development.
100
of the 300 student participants in the Karsh Institute’s Civic Cornerstone Fellowship said they would recommend the experience to their peers. Participants represented a wide swath of the student body—joining us from 11 of 12 UVA schools.
“Being part of the Civic Cornerstone Fellowship was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had. It pushed me to slow down, listen more deeply, and engage in conversations that weren’t always easy but were always worthwhile.”
10
practitioner fellows with expertise in journalism, law, the arts, elections, governance, civil society, and technology collaborated with the Institute this year.
500
community members from across greater Charlottesville took part in 30 small neighborhood gatherings, coming together over shared meals and activities, all supported by one of the Institute’s practitioner fellows whose work is designed to strengthen local civic infrastructure.
50
UVA faculty members collaborated with us on programs and events. They were from the Law School, the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the McIntire School of Commerce, the School of Education and Human Development, the School of Engineering, and the School of Data Science.
Events
50
public events were hosted or supported by the Karsh Institute this academic year—from our “Congress: A Cornerstone of American Democracy” and “Touchstones of Democracy” series to the Student Oratory Competition, Innovations in Local Journalism gathering, and Belief and Belonging event.
5400
people attended events that the Karsh Institute hosted or co-hosted with partners, including the American Enterprise Institute, Chautauqua Institution, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
165
speakers participated in Karsh Institute public events, including current and former elected officials, ambassadors, and public servants across all levels of government; religious leaders; business and economic experts; bestselling authors; an Emmy Award–winning investigative reporter; a Grawemeyer Award recipient; and leading UVA scholars.
“My attendance at the ‘Touchstones of Democracy’ event series has rekindled a lifelong interest in promoting participatory democracy, locally and globally.”
Research
Examples of Media Outlets
- BBC News
- Channel 4 (UK)
- CBC News
- CBS 19 News
- CNN Brasil
- Daily News-Record
- DW News (Deutsche Welle)
- Estadão
- Marketplace: Breaking Ground
- PBS
- Politico
- Radio Télévision Suisse
- Richmond Times-Dispatch
- Tech Policy Press
- The Conversation
- The Guardian
- The New York Times
- The Virginian-Pilot
- Virginia Business
- VPM
- The Washington Post
- We the People
- WHRO
Partners
39
external partners collaborated with us on a variety of programming, including the American Enterprise Institute, The Carter Center, More Perfect, John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, The Blue Ridge Center, Braver Angels, Chautauqua Institution, Tom Tom Foundation, Press Forward, Virginia Funders Network, and VA250.
Examples of External Partners
- American Association of Colleges and Universities
- American Bar Association
- American Council of Trustees and Alumni
- American Enterprise Institute
- Braver Angels
- BridgeUSA
- Campus Compact
- Center for AI and Digital Policy
- Charlottesville’s English-Speaking Union
- Chautauqua Institution
- College Debates and Discourse Alliance
- French Embassy, Washington D.C.
- Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
- John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress
- Madison House
- More Perfect
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon
- Museum of the American Revolution
- National Park Service
- NYU Institute for Public Knowledge
- Press Forward
- The Carter Center
- The Yancey Heritage & History
- Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
- Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
- Tom Tom Foundation
- VA250
- Virginia Funders Network
- Virginia Humanities
- Virginia Tribal Education Consortium
- Visible Records
- Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism/WHRO
5
major external organizations funded the Karsh Institute’s work: the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Path Foundation, American Press Institute, More Perfect, and Virginia Law Foundation.
49
UVA partners, ranging from schools and centers to programs and student organizations.
Examples of UVA Partners
- Alumni Association
- Biocomplexity Institute
- BridgeUVA
- Carter G. Woodson Institute
- Center for Community Partnerships
- Civil Discourse Initiative
- Cville Tulips
- College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (numerous departments)
- College Republicans
- Contagion Science Program
- Contemplative Sciences Center
- Cville Tulips
- Darden School of Business
- Environmental Institute
- Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
- Heterodox Academy at UVA
- Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture
- Journal of Law and Politics
- Jefferson Literary & Debating Society
- Karsh Center for Law and Democracy
- McIntire School of Commerce
- Middle Grounds
- Miller Center of Public Affairs
- Morven Farm
- National Security Policy Center
- Native American Student Union
- Office of Engagement and Lifetime Learning
- Project on Democracy and Capitalism
- Public Service Pathways
- Rasquache Cinema
- School of Data Science
- School of Education and Human Development
- School of Law
- Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership
- Student Affairs
- School of Continuing and Professional Studies
- Think Again @ UVA
- University Democrats
- University of Virginia’s College at Wise
- UVA Arts and Vice Provost for the Arts
- UVA Clubs Global Network
- UVA Disabilities Initiative
- UVA Library’s Digital Humanities Center Scholars’ Lab
- UVA Reunions
- Washington Literary Society and Debating Union
- WTJU
- WXTJ
Our Reach
0
17700
engaged citizens have subscribed to our newsletter, The Democracy Brief.
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5100
people viewed our most popular webpage, featuring an article exploring the history and causes of the ever-expanding power of the presidency—and how it affects American democracy.
0
93
classes were highlighted in our “Democracy Course Guide” for students. The guide enabled them to learn more about classes across UVA that are on or related to democracy, including an interdisciplinary seminar supported by the Karsh Institute and taught by faculty who are part of the Institute’s John L. Nau III History and Principles of Democracy Lab.
“I loved engaging with the various perspectives brought by my classmates since they were each from a different field.”
0
155000
visits to the Karsh Institute website, which contains details and videos from our events, projects, and programs, as well as news stories that explore the meaning and possibilities of democracy.
0
69320
square feet will house the Karsh Institute’s new Emmet–Ivy Corridor home—the construction of which began in October 2024. The building will be an interdisciplinary hub fostering scholarship, teaching, and public engagement on democracy through classrooms, labs, media studios, and convening spaces.
Join us in building a better democracy for all.