Dr. Wright Featured on CBS Philadelphia
When a small nonprofit in Camden faces a $2,800 jump in monthly rent, the story is not just about one organization struggling to stay afloat. It is about a system under strain. That reality was on display in a recent segment on CBS News Philadelphia, where Nathaniel Wright, Graduate Director of the Public Affairs program and Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration at Rutgers–Camden, provided national context for a deeply local crisis.
Speaking about Saving Grace Ministries, a Camden-based nonprofit that provides trauma-informed care and a safe space for vulnerable children, Wright explained that the organization’s situation reflects a broader pattern. Drawing on national data, he noted that 86 percent of nonprofits across the country have been negatively affected by rising costs. While demand for services continues to grow, most available grant funding remains project-based, leaving organizations scrambling to cover basic operating expenses like rent, utilities, and staffing. As Wright emphasized, unrestricted funds to support day-to-day operations would significantly ease the pressure many nonprofits now face.
Transform Communities with Rutgers–Camden’s Public Affairs Graduate Programs
Rutgers University–Camden offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Public Affairs/Community Development, focusing on public policy, urban affairs, and political economy. The curriculum addresses community power, urban sustainability, and social justice, providing advanced research skills through courses like Statistical Inquiry and Geospatial Analysis. Students can engage in practical experiences via research centers such as the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs and the Center for Urban Research and Education. The program offers flexible pathways, including a 30-credit M.S. degree suitable for part-time students, a 2+3 model combining M.S. and Ph.D. studies, and a 66-credit Ph.D. program. Notably, Rutgers–Camden’s Public Affairs program is recognized among the top public affairs schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Advance Your Public Service Career with Rutgers–Camden’s M.P.A. and Executive M.P.A. Programs
Rutgers University–Camden offers comprehensive Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) and Executive M.P.A. (E.M.P.A.) programs designed to equip students with essential skills in data analytics, financial management, leadership, and information technology. These programs prepare graduates for impactful careers in public service, providing flexible course delivery options—including in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats—to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals. Graduates find opportunities across various sectors, including municipal, state, and federal agencies, as well as leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, making significant contributions to their communities.