Sherrill Administration Invests in Next Generation of Leaders 
With New Jersey Governor's Hispanic Fellows Program Class of 2026

32 Fellows to Complete Immersive Internship Across Public, Private, and Nonprofit Sectors Statewide

TRENTON – Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell and the Sherrill Administration welcomed one of the largest cohorts of New Jersey Governor's Hispanic Fellows in the program's history, with 32 fellows comprising the Class of 2026. As Secretary of State, Lt. Governor Caldwell leads the Department of State, including the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD), which administers the competitive fellowship program.

The fellows will complete eight-week immersive internships at leading organizations across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors throughout New Jersey, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in diverse professional environments.

“The Governor’s Hispanic Fellows Program is a unique opportunity to unite the public, private, and non-profit sectors in collaboration to develop talented New Jersey leaders,” said Lt. Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell. “The participants will learn from the program, their internship placement, and their cohort, charting a course for future success.”

“When we invest in young Hispanic leaders, we invest in the future of New Jersey itself. The 32 fellows joining us this year represent the talent, drive and potential that has always existed in communities across our state, and this program is about opening doors, creating opportunities, and empowering the next generation to lead. Their voices, ideas, and achievements will help shape stronger, more inclusive New Jersey for the future.”

Established in 1988, the New Jersey Governor's Hispanic Fellows Program empowers emerging leaders across the state. This year’s cohort is exceptionally large, with a significant number of fellows interning at state government offices, providing fellows with direct exposure to public service and policymaking.

“For 38 years, this program has been developing New Jersey's leaders, and we are proud to continue that legacy with our 2026 cohort,” said CHPRD program officer Gladys Giron-Ricci.

In addition to their work at their host sites, fellows will participate in leadership development sessions hosted by HISPA. The coursework is designed to enhance professional capabilities by focusing on developing skills in problem solving, teamwork, written communication, negotiation, public speaking, organization and time management, professional etiquette, and the art of giving and receiving feedback.

2026 Governor's Hispanic Fellows Program Internship Sites

• Bristol Myers Squibb

• Children Home Society

• FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development

• Future City Inc.

• Greater Newark Health Care Coalition

• HISPA

• Historical Society of Elizabeth

• IACO, Immigration and American Citizenship Organization

• More than Bootstraps

• New Jersey – Civil Service Commission

• New Jersey – Department of Agriculture

• New Jersey – Department of Children and Families

• New Jersey – Department of Health

• New Jersey – Department of State: Commission on National and Community Service

• New Jersey – Department of State: Faith Action Center

• New Jersey – Department of State: Governor's Office of Volunteerism

• New Jersey – Department of State: India Commission

• New Jersey – Department of State: Puerto Rico Commission

• New Jersey – Innovation Authority

• New Jersey – Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill

• Office of Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez

• Office of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman

• Puerto Rican Association for Human Development

• SANAR Institute

• Statewide Chamber of Commerce

2026 Leadership Session Host Sites

• AT&T

• Bloomberg

• Bristol Myers Squibb

• Provident Bank

• Princeton Area Community Foundation

• PSEG

• Thomas Edison State University

• UPS

• Verizon

About the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development (CHPRD)

Housed within the New Jersey Department of State, the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD) was established in 1975. Beyond its oversight of the Governor’s Hispanic Fellows Program, CHPRD works throughout the year to invest in New Jersey-based organizations. It provides annual grant funding for qualified nonprofit applicants working in entrepreneurship, citizenship and integration, workforce development, and community service. CHPRD also provides technical assistance and referral services in addition to research and policy initiatives.

For more information about the fellowship program, NJ Governor's Hispanic Fellows Program