New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW) is a leading organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults in New Jersey through advocacy, education, and public policy initiatives. The organization excels in identifying and addressing the needs of the aging population, promoting policy changes that improve access to care and financial stability for older adults. However, NJAAW faces the challenge of exploring the feasibility and potential impact of a universal long-term care benefit program in New Jersey, similar to Washington State’s WA Cares Fund.

The specific business challenge is understanding whether such a program could improve affordability and access to long-term care for New Jersey’s aging population, given the state’s unique demographic, fiscal, healthcare, and workforce conditions. This challenge impacts NJAAW's ability to advocate effectively for policy changes that address the growing pressure on healthcare systems, families, and public assistance programs as the population ages.

This project presents an opportunity for students to address this challenge by conducting a comprehensive analysis of Washington State’s program and evaluating its applicability to New Jersey. Students will gain valuable experience in policy analysis, strategic planning, and public administration while providing NJAAW with insights into the feasibility and potential impact of a universal long-term care benefit program in New Jersey.

The project will be conducted in phases, including research and analysis of Washington State’s program, comparative analysis with New Jersey’s conditions, economic and policy analysis, and evaluation of political feasibility and stakeholder considerations. It is ideal for students as it provides a unique opportunity to apply their academic training to a real-world policy issue, developing critical skills in consulting, finance, operations, marketing, and policy analysis.

Exploring this strategic challenge is meaningful for students as it connects to real-world career skills and provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to policy innovation and advocacy efforts that can have a significant impact on the lives of older adults in New Jersey. By engaging in this project, students will be better prepared for careers in public policy, advocacy, and public administration.