The College of New Jersey and Princeton Strategic Communications of Trenton established a year-round partnership Dec. 9 to expand internship opportunities, professional development experiences and real-world learning for students at TCNJ’s School of the Arts and Communication.
Through the agreement, the Trenton firm will provide TCNJ students, including those participating in the college’s new student-led public relations and design agency, Creative State, with access to paid, hybrid internships and guaranteed interviews for qualified applicants.
The partnership also creates pathways for mentorship, guest lectures, mock press conferences, office visits, and other hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in communications, public relations, design, marketing and related fields.
“Creative State is designed to give our students real-world experience and develop industry connections,” said Pamela Barnett Halladay, dean of the School of the Arts and Communication. “This new partnership with PSC expands that mission in exciting ways, opening doors to professional opportunities that will help our students thrive in their careers after graduation.”
Creative State was launched with support from TCNJ alumni Andy and Maria Polansky. It brings together student talent from communication studies, journalism and professional writing, digital filmmaking, art, design and creative technology. Students work under faculty mentorship to develop PR campaigns, design projects, branding initiatives, websites, video content, and other client deliverables, building industry-level skills before graduation.
“We’re excited to welcome their students into our agency environment to learn from our team and contribute their own innovative ideas,” said Ethan Andersen, managing partner at PSC.
The first internship and student engagement opportunities are anticipated to open in early 2026.
