The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) Partnerships Team is excited to announce a significant milestone in its Academic Agreement Expansion program, which is dedicated to fostering collaborations between state governments and local colleges and universities across the nation.

Through this program, the State of New Jersey and Rutgers University School of Business Newark/New Brunswick have successfully established a groundbreaking partnership agreement.

This new collaboration underscores a shared commitment to empowering students with the knowledge, connections, and opportunities they need to succeed. Beyond enriching educational experiences, this partnership is poised to help the development of a skilled workforce ready to serve the public sector.

Key initiatives of this partnership include:

• Classroom Presentations: Representatives from the State of New Jersey will deliver engaging presentations to educate students about public procurement and the specific functions of the State’s offices. These sessions aim to provide students with practical knowledge and real-world insights, equipping them for future careers in public service.
• Career Fairs and Networking Events: Rutgers students will gain direct access to career opportunities through career fairs and networking events organized in collaboration with the State of New Jersey. These events will connect students with professionals in the field, offering valuable guidance and potential career pathways.
• Student Engagement and Talent Pipeline: The partnership aims to create a robust talent pipeline benefiting both Rutgers students and the State of New Jersey. Through hands-on engagement and real-world applications, students will develop the skills and experience necessary to thrive in public sector roles. This initiative has already proven successful, with the recent hiring of a Rutgers University student by the State, highlighting the potential for long-term career opportunities.

“This marks the beginning of a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between the state office and Rutgers, with the full support of our Partnerships Team.” Stated Shaquasia Barksdale, Partnerships Manager at NASPO, “We can’t wait to see more states and schools join this exciting journey in the future, as we work together for the continued growth of public procurement excellence!”

For more information, visit www.nj.gov and www.business.rutgers.edu

About NASPO: The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as public procurement leaders through the promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies.

Media Contact:
Kate Davila
Director of Marketing and Communications, NASPO
kdavila@naspo.org