The Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership is proud to announce the graduation of 14 nonprofit leaders from The Prudential Foundation Nonprofit Executive Fellowship Program. The program’s participants included senior leaders of organizations such as La Casa de Don Pedro, Gallery Aferro, and Greater Newark Economic Corporation.

The 20-month program is based within Rutgers Business School and Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership. It provides nonprofit executives with innovative and transformative leadership development training, mentoring, and numerous opportunities for networking. The 2015 graduates met monthly for one-on-one training sessions and group discussions in order to achieve both personal and organizational goals.

“The Institute for Ethical Leadership is committed to helping executives be better equipped to lead their nonprofit organization to increased success in the future,” explained Judy Young, Executive Director at the Institute. “Our participants get a chance to learn directly from other successes in the field and to make lifelong connections with their peers. The Prudential program also helps them to set measurable goals for the future, and then holds them accountable for those goals.”

“I was looking to build management and leadership skills for my growing organization and for my career. In all that we do, it is hard to take a step back and reflect on the ways in which we want to grow and develop. This program allowed that space,” stated Matthew Feinstein, Executive Director, New Jersey Law & Education Empowerment Project (NJLEEP).

The Fellows Program recognizes the crucial need to remove barriers in nonprofit leadership and prioritizes the development of next generation leaders. Fellows receive training in effective mentorship, and graduates become part of an alumni network that will continue to meet for further education.

“The long-term growth and sustainability of the nonprofit sector requires effective executives with strong management skills and a commitment to personal development,” said Shané Harris, vice president, corporate giving and vice president and executive director of The Prudential Foundation. “We are proud of our partnership with the Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership and congratulate each of the Fellows for their completion of this intensive leadership development program.”

While the 2015 Prudential Foundation Executive Fellows Program has been completed, the next cycle of the Fellows Program is now accepting applications. Current nonprofit leaders who are interesting in expanding their capabilities should apply by July 24, 2015. The program will launch in September. For more information, please visit: http://www.business.rutgers.edu/iel/nonprofit-leadership-development.

About The Prudential Foundation

The Prudential Foundation is a nonprofit corporation supported by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, an insurance subsidiary of Prudential Financial Inc. of the U.S. The Prudential Foundation advocates for systemic change focused on eliminating barriers to financial and social mobility in the areas of meeting basic needs, connecting people to quality jobs, building personal assets and transforming communities. As a strategic investor, the Foundation makes long-term commitments that yield tangible results through both grants and program related investments.

About the Institute for Ethical Leadership

The Institute for Ethical Leadership at Rutgers Business School works with business and government, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, and within Rutgers University to provide leaders and future leaders with the education, training and critical-thinking tools needed to become more effective leaders and managers and make ethical decisions for real-world challenges. For more information, visit www.business.rutgers.edu/iel.