Staying Local, Leading Change: Garden State Fellows Make a Mark in New Jersey Policy

Princeton School of Public and International Affairs graduates are making significant policy impact through the Garden State Fellowship program, which places recent alumni with New Jersey organizations tackling pressing local issues. The inaugural cohort worked on civil rights campaigns, immigrant advocacy, and affordable housing initiatives, discovering that state-level work offers meaningful opportunities for social change close to home.

The fellowship addresses the shift toward state and local policy action while providing graduates practical experience in their own communities. Fellows found themselves leading lobbying efforts, designing advocacy campaigns, and reviewing housing proposals - work that directly impacts New Jersey residents while building valuable career foundations.

• Fellows worked on policing reform legislation, immigrant detention facility advocacy, and affordable housing access
• Multiple participants received full-time job offers to continue their work beyond the fellowship period
• The program bridges the gap between academic training and real-world policy implementation at organizations that typically lack resources for entry-level hires
• Two new fellows, Kimberly Cross and Hiba Siddiki, will join the 2025 cohort focusing on education, criminal justice, and social welfare issues