Guarini Institute Programs
International Partnerships
We develop relationships with universities, consulates, governments, and international organizations to expand learning, strengthen community connections, and advance economic mobility.
Partnership with Latin American Consulates
The Institute connects higher education with Latin American communities through its partnership with the Group of Latin American Consulates in New Jersey (GLACO).
The Institute facilitated the 2023 memorandum of understanding between NJCU and the Group of Latin American Consulates in New Jersey (GLACO)—the first agreement of its kind between a New Jersey university and the consular group.
The partnership supports academic exchange, college access, and engagement with Latino and Latin American communities. The Institute regularly participates in consular and community events to highlight the importance of higher education and help families connect with college-access resources.
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Institute also welcomed participating consulates to Kean Jersey City to assist their communities.
Universidad de las Américas Puebla — Mexico
Our partnership with Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP) supports faculty exchange and academic collaboration. In spring 2025, the Institute sponsored UDLAP’s Dr. Martin Larsson’s visit to New Jersey for lectures and mentorship, and NJCU’s Dr. John Donnellan’s visit to Puebla to teach and lecture. UDLAP renewed their agreement during New Jersey’s November 2025 economic mission to Mexico.
Building on this relationship, the Institute will facilitate the first TraveLearn to UDLAP in 2027.
Ciudad del Saber — Panama
The Institute is exploring collaboration with Ciudad del Saber in Panama. A visit planned for September 2026 will focus on developing institutional relationships and identifying possibilities for academic exchange and international learning.
Community Access
We help students and families access education, navigate financial challenges, and pursue greater economic mobility.
SiSePuedeLaUniversidad / YesYouCanGoToCollege
Launched in 2025, these Spanish- and English-language resources help Latino, first-generation, and international students and their families navigate the U.S. higher education system.
Developed with input from organizations serving Latino families, the platform explains admissions, financial aid, and campus life through conversations among college students.
Visit SiSePuedeLaUniversidad
Visit YesYouCanGoToCollege
brokenNotbroke
Launched in 2024, brokenNotbroke helps families affected by childhood cancer find organizations offering financial assistance and support.
Its free directory includes more than 450 organizations across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Families can also access bilingual assistance, educational resources, a newsletter, and The brokenNotbroke Interview, featuring leaders of organizations that help ease the financial burden of pediatric cancer.
Student interns contribute through resource navigation, research, and community engagement.
Visit brokenNotbroke
Visit channels at YouTube and Spotify
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThebrokenNotbrokeInterview
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5RWuQiZvYReOMtIyrYAiQi?si=fefd01612536436d
Research & International Leadership
Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
Through the U.S. Department of State’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), the Institute has hosted emerging entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean since 2022.
Fellows contribute to Institute projects, exchange expertise, and develop professional relationships with university and community partners. In 2026, Felipe Prado, an education technology entrepreneur from Chile, wrote a proposal for an international leadership certificate to be offered by the Institute.
Learn About YLAI https://ylai.state.gov/
U.S.–Mexico Business and Trade
The Institute collaborates with the U.S.–Mexico Chamber of Commerce and the Mexican Consulate in New Brunswick to host an annual conference on business, trade, and commerce between the two countries, with particular attention to New Jersey.
Building on the 2025 U.S.–Mexico Logistics Conference, these conversations connect students, faculty, and business leaders with developments in bilateral commerce, transportation, and supply chains.
International Education Research
The Institute is working on studies related to international education and economic mobility. This work supports the Institute’s efforts to strengthen its programs and expand access to educational experiences that advance economic mobility.
Forums & Speakers
Our forums and speaker series feature leaders in economics, education, diplomacy, business, and public service.
Past speakers include Harvard economist Raj Chetty and Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John C. Williams. Programs explore the role of universities, international collaboration, and community partnerships in advancing economic mobility.
A Conversation with John C. Williams
The Role of Universities in Economic Mobility — Raj Chetty