Across campus, many people recognize the name Alejandro Ramos. During his time at Sacred Heart, Ramos distinguished himself as a leader. He served as Student Government President, fostered strong relationships within the political science department, and even contributed to the creation of the Campus Life section of Spectrum.
Now, just a few years later, Ramos is leading something much bigger, the Ramos Research Institute.
The Ramos Institute (RRI) is a youth-led, nonpartisan organization focused on strengthening civic learning and democratic culture.
Source: Contributed by Alejandro Ramos
Ramos said the idea for the RRI began when he noticed how many students wanted a research assistantship.
“Originally, the institute was started to give students opportunities,” said Ramos.
Now, their internship program has received over 11,000 applicants across six cohorts.
Since then, this simple idea has transformed into a research institute, providing student fellows the chance to work on projects focused on civics and democracy directly.
“Officially, our mission is to conduct and apply research that advances civic learning, strengthens democratic culture, and supports public policy innovation in education and media literacy,” said Ramos.
A major part of the institute’s work is dedicated to what Ramos calls ‘courageous dialogue.’
“We live in a time where we’re all obviously polarized. Everyone picks a side, and we stick to our side, and we don’t want to get out of it,” said Ramos.
He said these conversations matter because more students are holding back their opinions out of fear.
“We were seeing students, no matter where they fell in the political spectrum, saying that they didn’t feel comfortable expressing their opinions in class,” said Ramos. “I think a bigger issue than what we’re seeing with cancel culture is self-censorship.”
Josephine Hall, the institute’s Chief of Staff, said the student-centered approach is what makes RRI different. Hall began as an intern in 2024, then transitioned to a Junior Research Associate, and is now serving in a leadership position.
“RRI’s position as a new organization allows us the ability to be deeply communicative and engaged with one another,” said Hall. “You won’t walk away with the personal connections and organizational integration that you would get at RRI.”
Hall described Ramos with one word: mentor.
“He is supportive, but pushes me outside of my comfort zone to set higher goals for myself,” said Hall.
Students at SHU remember that same energy. Senior Gracie Patriarco, the current executive president of Student Government, said Ramos made an impression on everyone he met.
“He was a natural leader and engaged with everyone he met and made them feel seen and heard,” said Patriarco. “Alejandro is someone who you immediately gravitate towards. He is full of life.”
Patriarco said he saw her potential before she could see it in herself.
“He told me freshman year that I would be the Student Government president one day,” said Patriarco. “I’m pretty sure I laughed in his face.”
As RRI looks to expand its programs, Ramos said the heart of the organization will always remain the same.
“There’s no paycheck, there’s no award that would make me feel more fulfilled than when a student reaches out and says, ‘Thank you for coming in and having that conversation with us,’” said Ramos.
The institute describes its mission in one sentence:
“Empowering the next generation of civic leaders to shape democracy at home and abroad.”
To learn more, visit their website https://www.ramosresearchinstitute.org/.
