Making connections: MAPIS2026 empowers future public service professionals

Nearly 150 students from more than 70 colleges and universities spent their summer day skill building, networking and learning at Rowan University’s Mid-Atlantic Political Intern Summit (MAPIS2026).

Hosted by the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship (RIPPAC), the conference on August 6 was free to any college student with a summer internship in politics, government or issue advocacy. According to RIPPAC Founding Director and New Jersey political analyst Ben Dworkin, attendees came from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and as far away as Washington, D.C.

“You should all understand, this is unique,” Dworkin told the assembled students. “We haven’t found anyone else who brings together college students interning across government, campaigns, public affairs and issue advocacy, regardless of their employer or university. This is it.”

Taking initiative

Now in its ninth year, MAPIS2026 saw a dramatic increase in first-time attendees—with nearly 85% of registrants new to the conference, according to Dworkin. Rowan Junior Law & Justice Studies major Rachel Barford decided to attend after encouragement from her professor and classmates. 

“This is my first intern conference and I’m hoping to get to meet new people,” Barford said. “I know a lot of people from Rowan, but not anyone else from outside of my school, especially those outside of the state.”

Barford had the honor of introducing New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, the MAPIS2026 morning keynote speaker, who discussed his career path and love for helping others. He emphasized the importance of getting involved.

“I applaud all of you that are here because you are being proactive about your future,” Caldwell said. “I want you to bring your experience and perspective to the world. Public service always works best when it reflects the people that it represents. And one of the groups that is underrepresented is young people.” 

Learning from the pros

In addition to addresses from Caldwell, New Jersey Republican Party Chair Christine Giordano Hanlon, and broadcaster, author and motivational speaker Steve Adubato, attendees spent time connecting with peers and learning from the region’s leading elected officials, policy leaders, consultants, lobbyists and political strategists.

“A conference like MAPIS is important because it's bringing together individuals from all walks of the political life—whether that is the campaign world, whether that's lobbying, whether that's important institutions in the state where politics is very much at play—for the students’ benefit so that they can see how things work in the professions that they want to get into,” said Alexandra Wilkes, founder of Perigean Strategies and the former New Jersey GOP spokeswoman.

“And, it’s great for young people to meet each other,” added T. Missy Balmir, partner at Thorough Planning, a government affairs and political consulting firm. “They may be the only ones focused on these issues in their community or in their friend group, but they get the opportunity to meet other young folks who are also very much involved and interested in these issues.”

Creating hands-on experiences

To foster experiential learning outside of the classroom and generate real-world opportunities, RIPPAC regularly hosts programs and guest speakers, connecting students with professionals who can serve as mentors and, maybe even, future employers. 

“RIPPAC is committed to ‘workforce development for democracy’ and MAPIS is one of the unique ways we continue to uphold that commitment,” said Dworkin. 

“For one day each year, nearly 200 college students, reflecting educational, gender, race, partisan and ideological diversity, come together to learn, network and re-dedicate themselves to making America better. The future leaders of our nation are being trained right here at Rowan University and I am so proud that RIPPAC can make it happen.”