Thursday, Aug 11, 2016
The Rebovich Institute turned out more than 70 interns for the first conference of its kind
by Adam Grybowski
More than 70 New Jersey political summer interns, representing 31 different colleges and universities, attended the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics’ first Statewide Intern Conference on Aug. 4, 2016, in the Mercer Room on Rider University’s Lawrenceville campus.
Thirteen interns who participated in the event were high school students. Nine Rider students attended.
The conference provided an opportunity for interns from all schools working this summer in New Jersey politics, government or public advocacy to gather and network.
"The Rebovich Institute is committed to training the next generation of political leaders,” says Dr. Ben Dworkin, director of the Rebovich Institute. “This conference, the first of its kind in New Jersey, allowed an entire generation of young people to network and learn together in a unique way.”
Attendees were able to hear several speakers talk about the economy, politics and homeland security.
Melanie Willoughby, the chief government affairs officer of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, and David Rousseau MBA '93, former New Jersey state treasurer and vice president of the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of New Jersey gave a presentation on “Building New Jersey’s Economy for the Future.”
Political operatives Chris Russell (R) and Jennifer Holdsworth (D) discussed “The Political Landscape in 2016.”
Dr. Chris Rodriguez, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness and a 10-year CIA veteran, spoke about “Homeland Security Challenges in New Jersey.” Rodriguez has previously appeared at Rider, which offers a 36-credit M.A. in Homeland Security that prepares professionals for leadership roles in protecting the United States, its interests and its allies from terrorist attacks, as well as responding to natural disasters and other threats to the safety and welfare of our communities, state and nation.
All of the speakers spent additional time after their respective sessions talking with students and answering additional questions.
“This was an amazing opportunity for me,” says Isabella Lopreiato, from Raritan, N.J., a rising senior at Rider who interned with the Mid-Jersey Chamber of Commerce this summer. “I was able to meet dozens of other students who are also engaged in politics and policy, as well as learn about a range of issues from the panelists.”
The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics is dedicated to public service and scholarly analysis of government, public policy, campaigns and elections in New Jersey. Founded in 2001 by the late Professor David Rebovich (1949–2007), the Institute is a dynamic and creative home where students can network, study and gain practical experience in New Jersey politics.
One of the biggest challenges for students seeking valuable internships is that most of the opportunities are unpaid. The Rebovich Intern Scholarship Fund allows select Rider students to receive a scholarship toward tuition for successfully completing an approved internship in politics.
This year, the Rebovich Institute offered $19,500 in scholarship money for qualified Rider students to undertake unpaid internships in politics, government, public policy or political advocacy.