Student Impact

Support Bloustein on Rutgers Giving Day

From designing healthier cities to researching climate solutions, from advancing health equity to shaping public policy, Bloustein students are doing the work that matters. When you give back, you change lives. Support a Bloustein student today.

This year, we are featuring a crucial fund, Bloustein School Student Hardship Fund.  This fund demonstrates the critical importance of supporting Rutgers students facing unanticipated financial crisis. It will provide support specifically to Bloustein School students during times in which they face major and unexpected challenges.
 
On Rutgers Giving Day April 24, 2026, gifts to the Bloustein School Student Hardship Fund will be matched at 50% through a generous pledge by Robin and Bob Nardi, MCRP, ‘78.
 

Gabrielle Moore Giving Day 2026

 

“The Hardship Scholarship has eased the financial burdens on my family and me, while allowing me to pursue my commitment to health equity policy at the Edward J Bloustein School. My time at Bloustein has grounded me in my values, strengthened my ability to engage in difficult conversations, and helped me recognize that the power in my hands and voice to create meaningful change, no matter how extreme or minute, matters.”

–Gabrielle Moore, MPP/MPH candidate 

Ben Cramer Giving Day 2026

 

“I am very thankful for the fact that Rutgers University provides opportunities like this to make funding a Master’s program a bit more possible. I am inspired by the alumni of this program and hope to follow in many of their paths, using my degree to create positive change in the fields of community development and neighborhood planning. I hope that others in the future will continue to be able to receive support like this, as it has been monumental in my success as a student here at Rutgers.”

–Ben Cramer, MCRP candidate 

Tatiana Sarmiento Giving Day 2026

 

“Receiving my scholarship and fellowship allowed me not to worry about my finances and to complete meaningful work with ease. This fellowship gave me an opportunity like no other, and I am so grateful to be a part of a mission to improve emergency food systems in New Brunswick. The Bloustein School offers so many opportunities for students to thrive, and I am grateful to be one of them!”

–Tatiana Sarmiento, B.S. Public Policy & B.A. Criminal Justice candidate

Abdul Kalam Mustaq Giving Day 2026

 

“Moving abroad to pursue a master’s degree at the Bloustein School was a distinctly challenging commitment. The fellowship I received was the exact catalyst I needed, shifting my focus from financial survival to the rigorous demands of my dual program. This backing empowered me to dedicate my time to researching data-driven, geospatial strategies for climate adaptation and housing resilience in New Jersey.”

–Abdul Kalam Mustaq, MPI/MCRP candidate

Parth Shah Giving Day 2026

 

“Receiving a scholarship from the Bloustein School has been incredibly empowering to me as an international student. While funding an education in a new country is often challenging, this generous support enabled me to truly thrive. It allowed me to dive wholeheartedly into my academic passions and community projects. Scholarships like this are vital because they ensure future global students can focus entirely on creating a positive impact.”

–Parth Shah, MHA candidate 

Tiffany Granger Giving Day 2026

 

“Receiving the Dr. Robert A. Catlin Endowed Fellowship was both an honor and a meaningful source of support during my time at the Bloustein School. It reminded me that my hard work, commitment to public policy, and desire to serve others are being seen and encouraged. Support like this helps students focus more fully on their education, leadership development, and career goals while preparing to make a meaningful difference in their communities. I am grateful for this investment in my future, and I hope to one day pay that same support forward for students coming after me.”

–Tiffany Granger, MPP candidate

Tarun Arasu Giving Day 2026

 

“Scholarships and fellowships played an important role in shaping the path I chose for my career. The financial support I received during my Master’s meant I could move forward without the burden of significant debt, which made pursuing a Ph.D. possible. It also gave me the freedom to commit to the field I care deeply about: energy policy and infrastructure planning, and to build a future guided by purpose and impact.”

–Tarun Arasu, MPP/MPI ’24, Ph.D. candidate

Joyce Ko Giving Day 2026

 

“It meant a lot to me to receive this scholarship as it ensured that I could focus on schoolwork rather than work during the semester. With this assistance, I can continue on a steadier path to my degrees. As I hone my skills and knowledge at Bloustein, I hope that I will make an impact on the world, as the financial help and Bloustein itself have impacted me.”

–Joyce Ko, B.S. Urban Planning & Design/MCRP candidate 

Alex Jost Giving Day 2026

 

“Rutgers has helped me turn my hands-on experience into a leadership role focused on improving care for older adults. Support for students like me makes it possible to focus on developing the skills needed to lead and serve effectively. Continued investment in Bloustein students helps strengthen the future of healthcare and the communities we serve.”

–Alex Jost, MHA ’26 

Pratham Kumar Giving Day 2026

 

“I am incredibly grateful to have received my fellowship, as it has allowed me to continue my education while reinforcing that my work at Bloustein is recognized and valued. This support has given me the opportunity to stay focused on my academic and professional goals within public policy. Fellowships like this ensure that students like myself push themselves to their limits so that their efforts can truly bear fruit.”

–Pratham Kumar, MPP candidate

Nico Vinco Giving Day 2026

 

“The scholarship I received reinforced the notion that the Bloustein School truly believes in the work I have been producing as a student. To me, I feel especially proud of my journey within the urban planning field. Since university education can get expensive, my scholarship greatly assisted in easing the burden of student loans. This aspect is something that I am incredibly grateful for, and will especially pay off in the long run.”

–Nico Vinco, , B.S. Urban Planning & Design/MCRP candidate

Gabbie Cain Giving Day 2026

 

“As a student balancing multiple jobs while completing my degree, this support relieves financial pressure, allowing me to focus more intentionally on my academic and professional growth. Support like this expands access and opportunity in the field, empowering students to pursue careers that create meaningful impact.”

–Gabbie Cain, MCRP candidate 

Anushka Srivastava Giving Day 2026

 

“The Peter C. Cosier IV Environmental Fellowship I was awarded was an honor and had a great impact both personally and professionally. It led to insightful conversations with new connections and allowed me to refocus on my academics. Future students can utilize Bloustein’s fellowships to build lasting connections, and assist in their journey at Rutgers.”

–Anushka Srivastava, MCRP candidate 

Bob Nardi Giving Day 2026

 

“Since its inception, the Bloustein School has been preparing students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. My career success can be traced to the skills and experiences gained as an early Bloustein student. As the world confronts immense challenges, we are fortunate to have the Bloustein School preparing future problem solvers. Join with me and others who’ve benefitted from our shared experience to assist the next generation by supporting Bloustein School scholarships, fellowships, and funds

–Robin and Bob Nardi, LC ’75, MCRP ’78

Closing Giving Day 2026

 

The Bloustein School welcomes inquiries about funding priorities. Please contact Janet Cole, Director of Development at 848-932-2816 or janet.cole [at] ejb.rutgers.edu to discuss how to make a gift, where to direct your contribution or any other questions you may have about supporting Bloustein.

To access all Bloustein School funds, please visit the Rutgers Foundation by clicking the button below.

 

If you cannot find the fund you are looking for, please contact Michelle Arias at michelle.arias [at] ejb.rutgers.edu with the name of the fund you would like to support or a description of what you would like to support.