NJLBC Foundation

NJLBCF Leadership Institute

The Leadership Institute offers a comprehensive program designed to enhance students’ educational journey through a series of dynamic seminars and interactive discussions. These seminars cover a diverse range of topics, including valuable career insights from former program interns and esteemed government officials.

A notable highlight of the program is the opportunity for interns to gain firsthand career advice and networking opportunities, such as meeting prominent figures like Governor Phil Murphy and his staff. This exposure not only enriches interns’ understanding of potential career paths but also provides invaluable connections for their future endeavors. 

The NJLBCF Leadership Institute empowers interns with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to navigate their career paths effectively and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to cultivate a robust cadre of Black leaders within public service careers and public policy positions. Through our comprehensive leadership programs and initiatives, we aim to expand the pipeline of diverse talent, empower individuals with the skills and resources needed to excel and foster a culture of inclusive leadership. By investing in the development and advancement of Black leaders, we strive to drive positive change, promote equity, and ensure representative governance for the betterment of our communities and society as a whole.
NJLBCF Interns 2

NJLBCF Leadership Institute

The New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (NJLBCF) Leadership Institute Internship Program is an eight-week, paid undergraduate program administered through the NJLBCF Leadership Institute. The program provides participants with structured exposure to the legislative process, including an in-depth examination of how Assembly and Senate bills are developed, advanced, and enacted into law.

The internship is designed to enhance participants’ understanding of state government operations and the role of public policy in shaping outcomes for communities throughout New Jersey. Participants will engage in research and analysis of policy issues, with particular attention to matters affecting historically marginalized communities.

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be currently enrolled at a New Jersey college or university or a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)

  • Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

  • Must be a resident of New Jersey

  • Must be eligible to work in the United States

Application Deadline:
Applications must be submitted no later than March 20, 2026.

2025 Summer Leadership Institute Scholars

Alfred Kenyanya-Okeyo
Alfred Kenyanya-Okeyo Rutgers-Newark
Philosophy/International Affairs
Ariana Campbell
Ariana Campbell Hampton University
Business Administration/5-Year MBA Major
Ashley Kankam
Ashley Kankam Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Political Science Major, Business Administration minor
Darnell Street III
Darnell Street III Felician University
MBA
Atkins
Peniel-Reginald Atkins Kean University
Finance/Marketing
Destiny Newton
Destiny Newton The College of New Jersey
Public Health
Emani Ellis
Emani Ellis Howard University
Political Science Major , Business Administration Minor
Gabriella Robinson
Gabriella Robinson Seton Hall University
International Relations & Diplomacy
Jaden Wedderburn
Jaden Wedderburn Princeton University
Anthropology | Law, Politics & Economics; African American Studies (minor)
Jordyn Allen
Jordyn Allen The College of New Jersey
Psychology
Janiah McRae
Janiah McRae Howard University
Biology major, Spanish and History double minor
Margie-Rae Simmonds
Margie-Rae Simmonds Howard University
History, Political Science (Double Major)
Jordyn Roy
Jordyn Roy Rutgers University-NB
Political Science and Public Policy
Laila Edwards
Laila Edwards Rowan University
Law & Justice and Disaster & Emergency Management, Africana Studies (minor)
Mikaela Bethea (2)
Mikaela Bethea Elizabeth City State University
Psychology
Leah Kinloch
Leah Kinloch Howard University
Marketing Major, Economics Minor
Sha'Kira Wood
Sha'Kira Wood Virginia State University
Psychology
Zaeana Santos
Zaeana Santos Kean Unviversity
Public Health