About

The John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, founded in 1997, is based at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The Center’s mission is to strengthen education, workforce, and social policies and programs at the local, state, and national levels by bridging research and practice to advance evidence-based solutions.

Mission

The mission of the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development is to strengthen education, workforce, and social policies and programs at the local, state, and national levels by bridging research and practice to advance evidence-based solutions. Through rigorous and person-centered methods, process and impact evaluations, administrative data analysis, and authentic engagement with policymakers, practitioners, employers, and communities, we produce and translate public impact research to advance economic opportunity and equity.

History

For almost 30 years, the Heldrich Center has collaborated with partners and clients to translate cutting-edge research and analysis into practices, programs, and policies that companies, unions, colleges and universities, community-based organizations, and government can implement to strengthen the nation’s workforce.

The center, which was established by Rutgers University’s Board of Governors, is named in honor of the late John J. Heldrich (1926-2014). John was one of New Jersey’s most remarkable business and civic leaders. He combined his career as a top executive at Johnson & Johnson with a record of leadership and commitment to public, community, and civic service. John made numerous generous contributions to the Heldrich Center, leading to the creation of its permanent financial endowment. As chair of the center’s National Advisory Board, he worked closely with board members, prospective and current financial supporters, outside leaders, staff, and Rutgers leadership, to establish organizational priorities and partners, and guide strategies for growth.

Carl Van Horn, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Public Policy at Rutgers University, served as Founding Director of the Center from 1997 to 2026. He now serves as Director Emeritus.

In September 2026, Dr. Van Horn was succeeded as Director by Andrea Hetling, Ph.D., Professor of Public Policy at the Bloustein School. Dr. Hetling previously served as Associate Director of the Center since July 2022.

The Center opened its state-of-the-art office and conference facility, financed by the State of New Jersey, in downtown New Brunswick, NJ in June 2007.

Directions & Parking

The Heldrich Center is located at 30 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, NJ. Check below for directions via train and car, as well as parking information.

Via Car

The center is accessible via Route 18, the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, Route 1, and Route 287. Information on parking in New Brunswick is available. Several public parking garages are in the immediate area of the Heldrich Center. The closest parking garages are on New Street (between Livingston Avenue and George Street, next to Rockoff Hall), and on New Street (between Livingston Avenue and Joyce Kilmer Avenue, next to Middlesex College’s New Brunswick office).

Via Train (New Jersey Transit and/or Amtrak)

New Jersey Transit’s Northeast Corridor line and Amtrak’s regional line both stop in New Brunswick. From New York City, take New Jersey Transit and/or Amtrak to the New Brunswick train station. From Philadelphia, take the R7 SEPTA line to Trenton, NJ and then take New Jersey Transit to New Brunswick. The New Brunswick train station is approximately one hour from New York City and Philadelphia. From southern New Jersey, take the RiverLine to Trenton, NJ and then take New Jersey Transit to New Brunswick.

Walking from the Train Station to the Heldrich Center: The Heldrich Center is within 10 minutes walking distance of the station. Cross Albany Street (Route 27) and turn left (going north). Walk a block and a half to George Street. Turn right (going east) onto George Street and walk four blocks to Livingston Avenue. Turn right onto Livingston Avenue; the entrance to the Heldrich Center is on your left at the corner of Livingston Avenue and New Street. For current train schedules, visit New Jersey Transit, Amtrak, SEPTA, and the River Line.

By Taxi: A taxi stand is located outside of the New Brunswick station near the Albany Street entrance. The address for the Heldrich Center is 30 Livingston Avenue.