NJLEND is The Boggs Center’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program, and is part of a national network of LEND programs. NJLEND prepares graduate-level health and allied health fellows to provide high-quality, interdisciplinary, family-centered, culturally competent care addressing the complex needs of children with autism, related disabilities and other maternal and child health populations. All NJLEND fellows are paired with a Faculty Mentor from their discipline who works with the fellow to integrate NJLEND requirements with the requirements of the student’s academic program, as well as to guide and reflect on their individual leadership development throughout the LEND year.

The long-term NJLEND training program is delivered across a 9-month academic calendar, and fellows are required to commit at least 300 hours to participation. The program can be utilized by students to fulfill a practicum or fieldwork requirement of their academic program. Students receive a stipend, and may receive course credit based on the requirements of their academic program, for participation in NJLEND. Curricular components of the NJLEND training program included in the 300 hours of participation are:

• Didactic Seminar Series
• Experiential Learning Opportunities
• Leadership Development
• Clinical Training

As part of the Leadership Development component of the program, all NJLEND Fellows are required to complete a Leadership Project either independently or in inter-professional pairs or teams. The project provides an opportunity for fellows to apply their knowledge and training to the development of a resource, implementation of a program, or conduct of research that benefits the larger MCH community. At the end of NJLEND year, all Fellows give a poster presentation, sharing their project findings and implications with a broad audience including families, practicing Maternal and Child Health professionals, healthcare providers, and policy leaders at the annual NJLEND Maternal and Child Health Leadership Symposium and Fellowship Graduation Event.

View NJLEND Fellow Leadership Posters

NJLEND provides students with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, and offers support and mentoring by faculty in their respective disciplines. The long-term NJLEND training program is open to graduate and doctoral level students from Rutgers and RBHS in the following disciplines, as well as fellows with lived experience (individuals with disabilities and family members):

• Dentistry
• Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics
• Genetic Counseling
• Nursing
• Nutrition
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Social Work
• Family is considered an NJLEND discipline. Parents and other family members are encouraged to apply as long-term fellows.
• Advocacy is an NJLEND discipline. Individuals with disabilities, including autism and other related disabilities, are encouraged to apply as long-term fellows.

This infographic depicts the impact of the first 8 years of the NJLEND program. 
View 8 Years of NJLEND (PDF)

To learn more about the NJLEND program, visit the NJLEND Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. Information about the application process, along with the NJLEND Application and Recommendation Forms, can be found on the NJLEND Application Process page.

Project Contact: Caroline N. Coffield, PhD