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Recent News
Heldrich: Two New Rutgers Child Care Research Collaborative Reports
The Rutgers Child Care Research Collaborative has released two new research reports by Heldrich Center researchers. The Rutgers Child Care Research Collaborative comprises the Heldrich Center, the Center for Women and Work, and the National Institute for Early...
Mi Shih Recognized with GPEIG Best Journal Article Award
Mi Shih, Ph.D., Associate Professor and director of the Urban Planning and Policy Development Program, was recognized with the Global Planning Educators’ Interest Group’s (GPEIG) 2025 award for the best journal article. The award honors outstanding, peer-reviewed journal articles that make a significant contribution to global planning. GPEIG is part of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP), working to bring planning students and educators together to share, shape, and incorporate global perspectives in planning education and research.
Building Capacity to Support New Jersey Autism Professionals
The purpose of this report is to inform the organization’s advocacy efforts to maximize the capacity of services provided to individuals with autism in New Jersey. This research examines two professions within the autism professional workforce landscape – behavior analysts and psychiatrists – of New Jersey and two comparable states, selected by Autism New Jersey.
Dr. Rushing Talks About AI for Sickle Cell and Beyond
Dr. Melinda Rushing recently appeared on the podcast Zora Talks. In this podcast, Dr. Rushing breaks down what sickle cell really is, why it disproportionately affects people of color, and how her team is developing a new approach called Clinically Guided AI to transform how doctors predict and manage care.
Heldrich Report: Stability, Shortages, and Shifts in NJ Teacher Workforce
New Jersey continues to face teacher shortages in critical subjects, while overall workforce levels remain steady, according to a new report released by the Heldrich Center. The report, New Jersey’s Teacher Workforce: 2025 Legislative Report, offers a decade-long perspective on teacher supply, exits, and workforce challenges, drawing on data from the New Jersey Statewide Data System.
NJSPL: Increasing Enrollment of Paid Family Leave
Over the last decade, many states have implemented some form of mandatory paid family leave policies to help address the lack of coverage at the national level. Researchers have been examining data related to paid family leave enrollment, and found that overall enrollment for paid leave increased for both mothers and fathers between 2000 and 2024 in the U.S., from 29% to 58% for fathers and 47% to 54% for mothers.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiatives
The school is home to individuals from many cultures, races, nationalities, genders, identities, and life experiences and with different beliefs and values. The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and aims to improve and grow these efforts strategically by managing and assessing performance.
Navigating Policy-Focused Career Pathways
Join the New Jersey State Policy Lab to hear from several of the many former students who have worked with NJSPL over the years. These alumni have gone on to pursue a variety of public policy-focused careers in areas including healthcare, housing, and economics. This event will feature former interns, teaching assistants, and research assistants who worked with the NJSPL who will discuss their policy interests, research, and career paths, followed by time for networking, where current students will learn more about careers where they can make a difference in assorted policy arenas. Learn more
Student Spotlight: Zhichao James Xi, Public Policy/Marketing ’25
“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!”












