Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Rutgers University

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We’re transforming the future of work by advancing workforce education, expanding equitable access to quality employment, and empowering underserved communities. We are transforming the future of work by advancing workforce education, expanding equitable access to quality employment, and empowering underserved communities. Through cutting-edge research, innovative technology, and strategic partner

ships, we strengthen public programs and elevate best practices that drive financial stability and economic mobility.

We are excited to share an important leadership announcement at the Heldrich Center For Workforce Development.Distinguis...
09/01/2026

We are excited to share an important leadership announcement at the Heldrich Center For Workforce Development.

Distinguished Professor Carl Van Horn, Founding Director of Rutgers University’s John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, steps down and is appointed Director Emeritus. Professor Andrea Hetling is named Director of the Heldrich Center.

Good luck and best wishes to Dr. Van Horn and Dr. Hetling on your new appointments!
https://heldrich.rutgers.edu/leadership-change-at-heldrich-center/

For survivors of domestic violence, public benefits can provide a critical pathway to safety, stability, and independenc...
06/23/2026

For survivors of domestic violence, public benefits can provide a critical pathway to safety, stability, and independence. Yet accessing those benefits is often complicated by administrative hurdles, confusing requirements, and experiences that can reinforce stigma and stress.

A new study by Andrea Hetling, Vee Yeo, and Lillian McFarland, published in the Journal of Social Policy, examines how trauma-informed approaches can help reduce these barriers. Drawing on interviews with survivors and stakeholders at a supportive housing program in New Jersey, the researchers found that strong case management, peer support, and flexible, individualized services can make it easier for survivors to navigate public benefit systems and focus on recovery.

Read more about the research and its implications for policy and practice in the following blog post and journal article:

Blog post - https://socialpolicyblog.co.uk/2026/06/17/making-public-safety-net-programmes-work-better-for-survivors-of-domestic-violence/

Journal article - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-social-policy/article/easing-administrative-burden-in-the-public-safety-net-insights-from-a-traumainformed-housing-programme/69CD2D71E801DC86E589CEF4F6D36CF7

In the latest episode of “Work Trends RU,” host Dr. Carl Van Horn speaks with Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary of the New J...
06/12/2026

In the latest episode of “Work Trends RU,” host Dr. Carl Van Horn speaks with Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary of the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, about the future of higher education in New Jersey. They discuss key challenges and opportunities facing colleges and universities, including enrollment trends, financial sustainability, workforce alignment, and student success. Ms. Chaly also highlights efforts to support adult learners, strengthen institutions, and ensure students graduate with the skills and career pathways needed to thrive in a changing economy.

Listen on our podcast page:

https://heldrich.rutgers.edu/podcasts/margo-chaly-of-the-new-jersey-office-of-the-secretary-of-higher-education/

Or on our YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/dYBm71OYZX8?si=3NFXj6EGPLZEJFsk




What does the future of higher education in New Jersey look like?In the latest episode of “Work Trends RU,” host Dr. Car...
06/11/2026

What does the future of higher education in New Jersey look like?

In the latest episode of “Work Trends RU,” host Dr. Carl Van Horn speaks with Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary of the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, about the challenges and opportunities shaping colleges and universities across the state.

Their conversation explores enrollment trends, financial sustainability, workforce alignment, and student success. Ms. Chaly also discusses efforts to support adult learners, strengthen higher education institutions, and help students build the skills and career pathways needed to succeed in a rapidly changing economy.

Listen on our podcast page:

https://heldrich.rutgers.edu/podcasts/margo-chaly-of-the-new-jersey-office-of-the-secretary-of-higher-education/

Or on our YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/dYBm71OYZX8?si=3NFXj6EGPLZEJFsk



As more adults pursue nondegree pathways for skill development and career advancement, and with the enactment of Workfor...
06/11/2026

As more adults pursue nondegree pathways for skill development and career advancement, and with the enactment of Workforce Pell in July 2025, which authorizes Pell Grants for training programs as short as 150 hours or eight weeks, the need for clear definitions and reliable data on noncredit education has become increasingly important. Establishing a standardized system will be key to turning these data into actionable information that helps New Jersey maximize the benefits of Workforce Pell.

“Noncredit Education in New Jersey: Definitions, Data Systems, and Workforce Pell Readiness,” a new research report from the New Jersey Statewide Data System (NJSDS):

> Explores how national agencies, institutions, and research organizations define noncredit education;

> Examines New Jersey’s noncredit education data infrastructure, including reporting practices, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities for enhancement or extension;

> Assesses New Jersey’s readiness for Workforce Pell;

> Highlights promising practices from other states; and

> Offers recommendations to strengthen New Jersey’s approach.

The report was written by Ann Obadan, Ph.D., Iman Basit, and Kristine Joy Bacani.

Read the report:

https://go.rutgers.edu/928d27s7

In the latest episode of “Work Trends RU,” host Dr. Carl Van Horn speaks with Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary of the New J...
06/09/2026

In the latest episode of “Work Trends RU,” host Dr. Carl Van Horn speaks with Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary of the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, about the future of higher education in New Jersey. They discuss key challenges and opportunities facing colleges and universities, including enrollment trends, financial sustainability, workforce alignment, and student success. Ms. Chaly also highlights efforts to support adult learners, strengthen institutions, and ensure students graduate with the skills and career pathways needed to thrive in a changing economy.

Listen on our podcast page:

https://heldrich.rutgers.edu/podcasts/margo-chaly-of-the-new-jersey-office-of-the-secretary-of-higher-education/

Or on our YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/dYBm71OYZX8?si=3NFXj6EGPLZEJFsk



New research from the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, with funding from the New Jersey State Policy Lab, expl...
05/13/2026

New research from the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, with funding from the New Jersey State Policy Lab, explores how public AI initiatives can better support small businesses in New Jersey. The blog post by Sofia Cacchione, a Graduate Research Assistant at the Heldrich Center, examines the opportunities AI presents for improving efficiency, customer engagement, innovation, and decision-making, while also highlighting persistent barriers such as limited financial resources, technology skills gaps, infrastructure challenges, and concerns about privacy and bias. The research also underscores the need for targeted investments and inclusive policies to ensure women- and minority-owned businesses can fully benefit from AI adoption. Read more about the evolving relationship between small businesses, AI, and public policy here:

https://policylab.rutgers.edu/publication/overview-of-the-literature-on-ai-and-small-businesses/



The Heldrich Center is proud to announce its Distinguished Leadership Awards. Founded in 2016 and named in honor of the ...
05/13/2026

The Heldrich Center is proud to announce its Distinguished Leadership Awards. Founded in 2016 and named in honor of the late John J. Heldrich, Johnson & Johnson executive and civic and community leader, the awards recognize and honor the accomplishments and achievements of individuals, businesses, community organizations, and philanthropy to the field of workforce development. The awards ceremony took place on April 23, 2026. Watch a video showcasing highlights from the ceremony:

https://youtu.be/ccDpZSz4CCY?si=RAt3V0UJdCVkkha4

The 2026 honorees are:

> Thomas Bracken, President and CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce - Outstanding leadership of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce for more than two decades

> Patricia Campos-Medina, Ph.D., Executive Director, Worker Institute, School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Cornell University - Outstanding leadership supporting workers, unions, and students, and public service in New Jersey and the nation

> Data Quality Campaign - Leadership in advancing the effective use of high-quality data to improve education, workforce, and economic opportunities

> Aaron Fichtner, Ph.D., President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges - Outstanding leadership of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and Director of Research and Evaluation at the Heldrich Center

> New Jersey Chamber of Commerce - Exceptional commitment to supporting programs that prepare a well-trained and educated workforce

> New Jersey Council of County Colleges - In recognition of the county colleges' central role in preparing students and adults for successful careers

“At a time when the workforce is undergoing rapid change, it is especially important to highlight leaders who are advancing innovative solutions and expanding access to education and training,” shared Carl Van Horn, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University and Director of the Heldrich Center. “This year’s honorees exemplify the kind of forward-thinking leadership that helps workers and employers succeed. Their leadership reflects the values that John J. Heldrich championed throughout his career.”

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Stuart Andreason, Ph.D., a member of the Heldrich Center’s National Adviso...
05/05/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Stuart Andreason, Ph.D., a member of the Heldrich Center’s National Advisory Board, has passed away.

In recent years, Stuart has been serving as Executive Director of Programs at the Burning Glass Institute. Previously, he was the Founding Director of the Center for Workforce and Economic Opportunity at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and a Research Associate at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Institute for Urban Research. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Stuart has been a longtime partner and ally of the Heldrich Center, collaborating with our researchers and staff on research projects, conferences, podcasts, books, and articles with the Federal Reserve. He has been a constant source of knowledge, encouragement, and wisdom for our faculty, researchers, staff, and students. We will miss him deeply and send our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

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