The Fox Scholars Mentorship Program at The College of New Jersey matches students with high-profile mentors in politics and public affairs who introduce them to the public sector and provide career mentorship and networking opportunities. The volunteer mentors include those from in federal, state, local government, and communications, lobbying, and political campaign agencies. Scholars meet government leaders, experience “behind-the-scenes” public sector functions, such as attend budget meetings, and engage professionally with a wide range of individuals who can help with their network building. Scholars are selected through a competitive application process and present their experiences at a panel discussion at the conclusion of their mentorship. The Fox Scholars receive a stipend.
The Scholars Program is an initiative of the James P. Fox Memorial Fund, which was founded in 2017 to create a living legacy to honor New Jersey native Jamie Fox (October 30, 1954 – February 20, 2017), a lifelong public servant whose 40-year career generated many important policy achievements. In February 2018, the James P. Fox Memorial Fund announced the establishment of an academic mentoring program in partnership with The College of New Jersey. The initiative brings to life one of Jamie’s passions: mentoring young people and helping them understand what it takes to succeed in government service. The program’s goal is to provide students with real-life public-sector experience and advice through mentorship and networking opportunities, with the goal of facilitating knowledge of and access to public service employment opportunities.
Fox Scholars receive a $1,000 stipend to participate. Those with or without experience in public affairs are encouraged to apply!
Program components include:
- One-On-One Mentoring: Scholars will be assigned and meet regularly with a mentor. Mentorships are available in federal, state, local government, and communications, lobbying, and political campaign agencies.
- Field-Based Training: Scholars may attend field trips to experience a “behind-the-scenes” view of the public sector.
Scholars are selected by The College of New Jersey’s Political Science Department in conjunction with The James P. Fox Memorial Fund.
Application will be available in Fall 2024. Please contact Dr. Chartock with any questions.
2022 Fox Scholars
Congratulations to the 2022 Fox Scholars!
SHAH BANO
Political Science Major
Mentored by Justin Braz, Chief of Staff, Assistant Commissioner of Transportation Policy, New Jersey Department of Transportation
MADELINE BREEZE
Political Science Major, Public Policy Analysis and Management Minor
Mentored by Stephanie Albanese, River Crossing Strategy Group
JAMES CHIRIBOGA
BA/MA in Special Education/Elementary Education (Specialization: Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies)
Mentored by Colleen Schulz-Eskow, Senior Director of Public Policy, New Jersey Children’s Foundation
NIKKI FARBER
Political Science Major, Italian Minor
Mentored by Sharon Shinkle Gardner, Chief of Staff, Office of Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson
KELLY PEREZ
Public Health Major, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Minor
mentored by Kevin Hagan, Princeton Public Affairs Group
2021 Fox Scholars
Congratulations to the 2021 Fox Scholars!
FRANK DAVIS
Political Science Major
Mentored by Stephanie Albanese, River Crossing Strategy Group
TATYANA GIBBS
Political Science Major
Mentored by Kay Elizabeth Li Causi, President & CEO Hoboken Strategy Group, Inc.
CHRISTIAN GLADISH
Economics Major, Law, Politics, and Philosophy Minor
mentored by Kevin Hagan, Princeton Public Affairs Group
EMANI WILSON
Political Science Major, Social Justice Minor
Mentored by Doug Hritz and Danielle Alpert, River Crossing Strategy Group
2020 Fox Scholars
Congratulations to the 2020 Fox Scholars!
KATHERINE DOBROW
Economics Major & History Minor
mentored by David Rousseau, former NJ State Treasurer & Current VP Association of Independent College & Universities
JADA GRISSON
African American Studies & Political Science Major
mentored by Kay Elizabeth Li Causi, President & CEO, Hoboken Strategy Group, Inc.
DAVID MCMILLAN
Philosophy Major, Economics Minor, & Classical Studies Minor
mentored by Kevin Hagan, Princeton Public Affairs Group
JOSHUA OH
Political Science Major & Deaf Studies Minor
mentored by Doug Hritz & Danielle Alpert, River Crossing Strategy Group
CHINTAL SHAH
Interdisciplinary Business, Economics Minor, & Italian Minor
mentored by Justin Braz, Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs for NJ Governor Phil Murphy