The Progress and Poverty Institute (PPI) and the Bloustein School are pleased to announce the recipients of the Progress of Ideas Scholarship Program.
Established by PPI, the Progress of Ideas scholarship program was created to support graduate students in the areas of public policy and economic equity/justice, part of PPI’s organizational mission. The scholarships support five graduate students at the Bloustein School in the amount of $5,000 each. Awardees may be enrolled in one of the Bloustein School’s master’s programs in public policy or urban planning. Selected scholars will have a deep and abiding interest in one or more of the subject areas of resource rents and value capture, land and property taxation, land use and housing, or environment and climate change.
“We are so happy to be able to support these outstanding scholars,” said PPI Executive Director Dr. Josie Faass. “All of us are impressed with their talent, focus, and drive.”
The 2025-26 Progress of Ideas scholarship recipients are Emily Evers MCRP/MPP ‘26, Alexander Koskoski MPP ‘26, Jake Papa MPP ‘26, Amara Thompkins MCRP ‘26, and Andrew Zuppardi, MCRP ‘26.
“We are thrilled with the partnership with the Progress and Poverty Institute to support deserving students at the Bloustein School studying issues deeply relevant to current policy concerns,” said Stuart Shapiro, Dean of the Bloustein School. “Each of the students selected has demonstrated a commitment to serving the public and the greater good. We look forward to their continued development as leaders in these important areas.”
The Progress and Poverty Institute (formerly the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation) was founded in 1925 to promote the ideas of influential 19th-century political economist and social philosopher Henry George. His seminal work Progress and Poverty, has, for over a hundred years, been the foundation for a tax reform movement that seeks to level the playing field for all. We continue that work, with the ultimate goal of eliminating economic inequality.
Student Awardees
Emily Evers MPP/MCRP ’26
Emily is a dual master’s candidate in Public Policy and City & Regional Planning . A lifelong New Jersey resident, she is passionate about community development, affordable housing, food security, and climate resiliency. Her commitment to public service is reflected in her internship experiences at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and in the Governor’s Policy Office, where she has gained valuable knowledge and experience in developing just, equitable policies for all. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time outside hiking and gardening, reading, cooking, and crocheting.
Alexander Koskoski MPP ’26
Alex is passionate about environmental policy, especially in the areas of sustainability and public transit. At Bloustein, he has taken electives in energy policy and community organizing. As an undergraduate, Alex attended Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina where he earned a bachelor’s degree with high honors with majors in history and Hispanic studies, completing an Honors Thesis in his senior year. While at Davidson, he worked for the Davidson College Sustainability Office, where he grew his interest in sustainability through planning community events and working on sustainability-related projects. Alex hopes to use his degree in public policy to help effect environmental change at the state or federal level after graduation.
Jake T. Papa MPP ’26
Jake is a Master of Public Policy candidate, concentrating in Environmental and Sustainability Policy. He is passionate about advancing equitable solutions to the climate crisis through research, legislative engagement, and community outreach. This summer, Jake will be working with the Mercer County (NJ) Planning Department and supporting environmental policy research at the Center for Urban Policy Research. His recent projects include helping develop a public database of New Jersey’s sample ballots and analyzing state energy policies and utility dockets. With a background in grassroots organizing and a deep interest in public-sector innovation, Jake aims to help shape policies that promote environmental justice and long-term sustainability. Outside the classroom, he enjoys building Legos® and documenting his creations on his YouTube channel, and visiting state and local parks and wildlife areas for a reminder of what inspired him on this journey.
Amara Thompkins MCRP ’26
Amara is working towards a master’s in City and Regional Planning. She has set out to achieve a certificate in real estate development and redevelopment at Bloustein as well. Amara received her B.A. degree from Northern Illinois University, where she majored in Environmental Studies and minored in Geology. Her interests involve planning green spaces, making cities sustainable, and rehabbing historic buildings. Amara is currently a research assistant on two projects: one focusing on flash flooding in New Jersey and another examining rezoning and the transfer of development rights in East Midtown Manhattan. She will be an intern over the summer at the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (HCDNNJ) in hopes of bettering communities in New Jersey.
Andrew Zuppardi MCRP ’26
Andrew is an ambitious planning student from Staten Island who is highly interested in flood adaptation, climate resilience, and land use issues. He has a great deal of experience with GIS software and spatial analysis techniques. Last year, he was honored to have the opportunity to volunteer with New York State Assembly District 61 on their community outreach campaign. Professionally, he hopes to continue working on community engagement to ensure that the public receives clear benefits from green spaces and climate resilience efforts. He is grateful for this scholarship, which will allow him to pursue job opportunities in the public sector.