Rutgers University–Newark, in partnership with career-accelerating nonprofit Braven, is hosting an event this evening to showcase the success of its Capitol Hill Fellowship program. The fellowship is being highlighted as a national model for how anchor institutions and nonprofits can effectively expand pathways into public service careers for college students.
The event, “From Campus to the Capitol: RU-N Leaders Rising,” will take place Oct. 16, at Express Newark.
Removing barriers to policy careers
The Capitol Hill Fellowship provides selected RU-N students with a fully supported summer internship in Washington, D.C., working directly with members of the New Jersey congressional delegation. Recognizing the financial and structural obstacles that often block low-income students from taking unpaid or low-paid D.C. internships, the program is designed to offset these barriers.
Key support elements include:
- Living stipends
- Professional development
- Placement support
- Mentorship
The program is a collaborative effort involving RU-N’s Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America (CPRA) and the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA).
Featured speakers and student voices
The dynamic gathering will feature remarks from several notable university and public officials, underscoring the importance of civic engagement and leadership development.
Scheduled Speakers include:
- Senator Renee Burgess (D), District 28
- Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson, Rutgers University-Newark
- Dr. James Jones, Executive Director, CPRA, Rutgers University-Newark
- Dean Kaifeng Yang, SPAA, Rutgers University-Newark
- Samantha Crockett, Executive Director, Braven New Jersey
A core component of the evening will be a student panel featuring Braven Capitol Hill Fellows. These students will share firsthand accounts of their experiences shaping policy, building professional networks, and envisioning their futures in public service and leadership. The panel will be moderated by Professor Hyacinth Miller of Rutgers University–Newark.
The partnership demonstrates Rutgers-Newark’s role as an anchor institution committed to driving civic engagement, and Braven’s mission to build career readiness and social capital for college students, creating high-access, high-impact opportunities for future leaders.
