From Fellow to Full-Time: Learning Through the Prevention Fellowship at NJPN

Alexandra Kerwin, Prevention Associate

My journey into the field of substance use prevention began when I joined the first cohort of fellows as part of the Prevention Fellowship program at NJPN in January 2023. When I first applied for the fellowship in November 2022, I knew very little about the field and how it worked!

What I didn't realize at the time was that this fellowship would open doors I didn’t even know existed—paving the way for both personal and professional growth!

One of the first learning opportunities I encountered as a fellow was participating in CADCA’s National Coalition Academy (NCA), a comprehensive 3-week training hosted at the NJPN office in Tinton Falls, NJ. This course was spread over three months, granting us the time to fully digest the material and truly integrate what we were learning into our day-to-day work.

Me receiving my CADCA Coalition Academy Certificate in Washington, D.C.!

The NCA training was nothing short of incredible. Not only did it give me a deep dive into how coalitions operate and implement strategies to make our communities happier, healthier, and safer, but it also equipped me with essential skills such as community assessment, logic models, strategic planning, evaluation plans, and sustainability plans. These skills have been invaluable in my daily work at NJPN.

What made the experience even more enriching was all of the networking opportunities. Each fellow was placed with a different prevention agency located throughout the state, which allowed for diverse perspectives and insights which reflect the different cultures and demographics in New Jersey.

I was able to learn from professionals who were already in the field, deeply involved in their communities, making a real impact. The connections and true friendships I made during NCA have been crucial to my growth and these relationships continue to support me as I continue to build upon what I’ve learned and progress in my career.

The network I’ve built with other fellows and professionals have helped me expand my understanding of prevention work immensely. Whether it’s seeking advice or brainstorming solutions to the many challenges that arise in public health, these resources have been an ongoing source of guidance and support. The community of like-minded individuals I’ve connected with through NJPN has easily been my favorite part of the past two years.

Celebrating our successes at the CADCA Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C.!

After completing NCA, we continued in the classroom with 10 additional CPS courses offered by NJPN. With a new set of trainers from different agencies across New Jersey, we gained an even greater and more fundamental understanding of prevention work being done here at home and nationally. With the strong foundation from NCA, we approached these courses with more confidence and a deeper understanding of how all the many pieces of prevention science fit together. These courses helped refine our skills even further and provided us with new tools to better serve our communities.

In September 2023, I was offered an incredible opportunity to work full-time as a Prevention Associate at NJPN. My experience with the fellowship gave me the opportunity to grow professionally and prepared me to take on this role with confidence. The skills, knowledge, and connections I gained through the fellowship were instrumental in helping me transition into this position, and I am excited to continue building my career in this field!

To apply for the NJ Prevention Fellowship, visit: https://www.njpn.org/preventionfellowship

Alexandra Kerwin is a Prevention Associate at NJPN and serves as coordinator for the IMPACT NJ coalition. Allie began her employment at NJPN as a member of the first cohort of NJ Prevention Fellows, and shortly after was brought on full-time in her current position. She holds a BS in Public Health from Kean University.