Holly Low, a part time MPP student in her third year at Bloustein, was awarded the second annual Kathleen Crotty Fellowship at New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP). Under the guidance of NJPP policy analysts, Holly completed independent research and wrote a report focused on the major programs offered by the state of New Jersey that are available to help families with the cost of child care. Additionally, she worked to estimate the economic benefits of the public investment in these programs, and what the additional benefits would be if New Jersey offered universal preschool.

Although she was not as familiar with the tools needed to complete an economic analysis, Holly took on the challenge by asking for assistance from a Bloustein professor to learn Stata which guided the economic impact portion of her research. She recommends that Bloustein students who go into summer internships remember to utilize the great resources that the school has to offer. She was able to gain important technical skills as well as to use her research to supplement an independent study and received course credit. Holly used experience during her Policy Practicum, the methods courses and Cost Benefit Analysis for guidance during her fellowship.

Completing this fellowship strengthened Holly’s skills in policy research, project management and writing. It also deepened her commitment to advocate for working families in New Jersey. Holly valued being mentored by individuals who are doing important and impactful policy work day in and day out. She also really enjoyed going to the State House for hearings and press conferences.

From NJPP’S Website:

Now in its second year, the Kathleen Crotty Fellowship honors the legacy of NJPP’s late board chair, Kathleen Crotty, by giving the next generation of New Jersey policy leaders an intensive, paid summer experience in policy analysis and advocacy under the mentorship of NJPP’s experienced staff. Crotty Fellows participate actively in the research and writing of reports, op-eds and blog posts for publication, and join NJPP analysts in outreach and coalition work. Fellows come away with experience and networks to help them launch successful careers in New Jersey public service.