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More than 100 summer interns working in politics, government and public policy came to ������ý���� for the 2nd annual Rebovich Statewide Intern Conference on Aug. 3, 2017. Attendance increased by about 30 percent compared to 2016, the conference’s inaugural year.

Participants at the free conference interacted with panelists who spoke about the challenges of the state budget, the political landscape and the politics of marijuana legalization. They also took part in several networking activities. "The conference was a tremendous success," said Dr. Ben Dworkin, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at ������ý����. “Through unique programs like this, the Rebovich Institute will continue to achieve our dual mission to train the next generation of political leadership and raise the level a political discourse."

Interns hailed from 56 schools, including 48 universities and colleges and eight high schools. Of the attendees, 95% were new to the event. Twenty-one ������ý���� students took advantage of the opportunity, as well as 10 high school students. During the conference, all of them had the chance to spend time with each of the speakers and ask them questions, as well as network and socialize with each other.

State Sen. Steven Oroho, who represents District 24 (Warren, Sussex and Morris counties) and serves on the Budget and Appropriations Committee, joined Bill Caruso, a lawyer/lobbyist with Archer Public Affairs, to discuss the prospect of legalizing marijuana in New Jersey, which is gaining steam ahead of gubernatorial elections on Nov. 7. Caruso is also a leader in New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform.

Former State Treasurer David Rousseau and former Deputy State Treasurer Tom Neff appeared in a forum together on the budgetary choices that New Jersey will need to make in the future.

Julie Roginsky, a Democratic strategist, and Sarah Neibart, political director for the gubernatorial campaign of Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, led an exciting conversation about the key dynamics shaping the 2017 electoral season. "The conference was an invaluable experience,” said Jesse Flood, a junior double major in political science and finance. “Being able to meet people from different schools who have interned for state senators and congressmen was fantastic because I was able to learn from their experiences. The panelists were also inspiring and well-informed, giving all of us high hopes for our future in politics.”

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 ������ý���� students to receive a scholarship toward tuition for successfully completing an approved internship in politics. This summer, the Rebovich Institute provided $20,500 in scholarship money for qualified ������ý���� students who undertook unpaid internships in politics, government, public policy or political advocacy.

Sponsors of the conference included Archer Public Affairs, Verizon/NJ Shares and Walmart, as well as ������ý����.

“The Rebovich Institute never fails to put on an amazing program,” Flood said, “and I’m proud to be a part of such a fantastic institution."