“I can’t remember exactly what caused it, but I can remember feeling incredibly connected to defending my environment. The stubborn nihilism and anger I had when I was young became critical and curious about the practicality of a clean energy transition or protecting forests. I fell in love with navigating stakeholders and impacts—and the art of compelling someone to choose the right decision. Public Policy is the most practical major for those considering work in a state/federal agency or legislative body. The professors are incredibly passionate about making policy changes and are filled with expertise—go to their office hours!”
Topic
undergraduate
Meshing Creativity and Community with Placemaking and Equity
“My strong foundation in writing and critical thinking, paired with my interest in community engagement and social justice, launched my Planning and Public Policy career at Rutgers. As much as I love picnicking in the green space of Hoboken’s waterfront Pier A Park or strolling along the walkway of the Brooklyn Bridge, I am most passionate about ensuring that all communities have access to vibrant, sustainable, and equitable cities. So be open to trying everything—even if you may not initially be interested in a specific class or internship, give it a chance.”
NJSPL – Reengaging COVID-Disconnected College Students
The New Jersey State Policy Lab, in collaboration with the Newark City of Learning Collaborative (NCLC), has released a new report that examines barriers and opportunities to reengaging COVID-disconnected college students ages 18 to 26 in Newark, NJ.
Bloustein public policy undergrad named to New Brunswick BOE
Ashley Caldwell, a public policy at the Bloustein School, has been tapped to fill a vacant seat on the New Brunswick Board of Education after serving as a student representative during her senior year of high school.
EJB Talks–The Bloustein Undergraduate Experience: Rutgers Summer Service DC Internships
Three Bloustein School undergraduates who participated in the Rutgers Summer Service Washington DC (RSS DC) internships discuss their reasons for participating, including its impact on academic and professional growth and the impact the experience has had on their future.
Bloustein Undergraduates Take Top Honors at NYU Policy Case Competition
The team needed to work together to learn everything about the Child Tax Credit – how it works, its implementation, its flaws, its impacts – and then needed to put in hours of research, writing, and collaboration to develop the memo and video presentation.
Bloustein School undergraduate Christine Starozytnyk passed away on March 11
The school is saddened to share the news that Bloustein School undergraduate student Christine Starozytnyk (Bachelor of Science in Public Health student) passed away unexpectedly late last week. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. Please keep them in your thoughts.
Madison Menkevich, MPP/MPH ’24
Having studied the importance of understanding intersectional factors and social determinants of health that are related to poor health outcomes for individuals and communities, Madison felt compelled to further her degree with a dual degree in Public Policy.
Zoning laws must be amended for sake of middle class
Thomas Kozma is a Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy junior majoring in planning and public policy. His column, “With Liberty and Justice for All,” runs on alternate Thursdays. Where is it illegal to build a duplex in New Jersey? What about...
Moving Higher Ed Online: Costs of COVID and a Recession
Stuart Shapiro and Marc Weiner discuss the changes to the landscape of higher education following the pandemic and the ensuing recession, and the new reality of online education.