Fox Scholars Program supports Rowan students completing internships in politics, policy

Three Rowan University students involved with the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship (RIPPAC) have received scholarships from the James P. Fox Memorial Fund to support their political and public policy internships.

Founded in 2017 to create a living legacy to honor Fox, who dedicated his life to public service and education, the James P. Fox Memorial Fund established the Fox Scholars Internship Program to provide students with real-life public sector experience and guidance through mentorship and networking opportunities. The goal of the program is to facilitate knowledge of and access to public service employment opportunities.

The following Rowan students have been awarded scholarships through the program:

Alyson Schaefer, a rising junior from Sicklerville, who is participating in an unpaid internship with the Atlantic County Democratic Committee. Shaefer is majoring in political science and history and is pursuing the Thomas N. Bantivoglio Honors Concentration in the John H. Martinson Honors College.

Gianna DiGiovanni, a rising junior from Marlton, who is completing two unpaid internships this summer with the Gloucester County Democratic Committee and with New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald/Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt. DiGiovanni is majoring in both political science and international studies. She’s also pursuing a concentration in global comparative perspectives.

Talha “TJ” Shuja, a rising senior from Somerville, who is completing an unpaid internship with New Jersey Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis. Shuja is a political science major.

All students in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Shaefer, DiGiovanni and Shuja are all involved with RIPPAC, which is dedicated to informing, engaging and training Rowan students, faculty and the public in applied politics, policy and citizen engagement.

In just its seventh year of existence, the Fox Scholars Internship Program helps students secure unpaid internships in politics, government or issues advocacy. The program provides Fox Scholars with stipends so that they don’t need to forego income while accepting unpaid internships in politics. Scholarships are provided based on a $15-per-hour wage that students may likely receive if they had paid internships.

Offered at Rowan, The College of New Jersey and Saint Peter’s University, the program prioritizes funding for first-generation college students and those who do not have access to helpful career networks. The program has already given dozens of young scholars in New Jersey the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in areas of politics and policy.

“We are excited to welcome these three Rowan students to this year’s summer internship program and to offer them the opportunity to gain valuable experience and to build the relationships necessary to jumpstart their post-college careers,” says Eric Schuffler, founder and board member of the Jamie P. Fox Scholars Memorial Fund.

Adds Linda Steuerwald, volunteer executive director of the Jamie Fox Scholars Program, of Shaefer, DiGiovanni and Shuja: “They are excellent students who have demonstrated the desire and capability to pursue successful carers in politics and policy in New Jersey and we are thrilled to be able to give them these opportunities to start their careers.”

Fox, who passed away in 2017 at age 62, spent his entire life in the public sector and was one of the giants of New Jersey politics.

In four decades of public service, he twice served as the Commissioner of Transportation for former governors Jim McGreevey and Chris Christie. He was chief of staff or advisor to four New Jersey governors, was chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Robert Torricelli and was former director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.