Tuesday, Jan 23, 2024
The Manning Fund for Public Service offers support for students with limited means to pursue internships in sectors that influence and develop public policy
by Diane Cornell
Rider University has received a $200,000 gift from Edward P. Manning ’82 to establish The Manning Fund for Public Service. The fund will offer financial support to students with limited means who secure unpaid internships in government, the public sector or within non-profit advocacy groups. It will also support students who have unpaid, professional opportunities that involve the development of public policy.
The idea for the fund comes from Manning’s personal experience. A stipend he received while he was a law student enabled him to spend two months working on social justice issues at a nonprofit in Washington, D.C.
“That internship was an invaluable experience that opened doors to my future,” he says. “I couldn’t have afforded to do it on my own without financial assistance. It made a big impact on me and I want Rider students to have the same types of opportunities.”
Manning, a lawyer whose interest in developing public policy led him to a career as a lobbyist, says, “Rider is uniquely geographically located near the state capitol which creates enormous internship opportunities. The thought of Rider students not being able to take advantage of those opportunities because they don’t have the resources to pursue an unpaid internship bothers me and needs to be addressed.”
The fund will provide stipends for unpaid internships or help with related expenses such as travel. Preference for securing support will be given to political science majors and diverse students with demonstrated financial need.
[My internship] made a big impact on me and I want Rider students to have the same types of opportunities.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Ed for this generous investment in our students. He clearly recognizes the value that internships bring to those early in their career path, and wants to eliminate the barriers that prevent all students from having equal opportunities,” says Dr. Kelly Bidle, dean of Rider’s College of Arts and Sciences. “Now more than ever it is important to encourage smart, dedicated individuals to apply their talents to help shape the future of government and public policies.”
Manning earned a bachelor’s in political science from Rider and a law degree at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. He grew up in Emerson, New Jersey, and was president of the Student Government Association and a member of the Model United Nations team during his time at the University.
After beginning his career as a district attorney in Compton, California, he served as general counsel under California’s Lt. Gov. Leo McCarthy, and later a partner in a Los Angeles law firm practicing environmental and energy law before becoming a lobbyist representing clients in the energy, water and construction industries.
Since 2005, he has been a partner and co-owner at KP Public Affairs, the largest combined public relations and advocacy firm in Sacramento, California. KP is now part of the Public Policy Holding Company, a national public affairs and lobbying firm. As one of that state’s leading lobbyists and a recognized authority on environmental and energy matters, Manning represents clients on diverse issues including gaming, energy, resources, environmental, land use and transportation issues.
The first awards from the fund will be made this spring. Those interested in support from the fund should contact Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics, at [email protected]. Students must provide a written statement about how the internship will relate to a public service initiative and their professional development. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2024.