Guarini Institute for International Education and Economic Mobility
Guarini Institute for International Education and Economic Mobility
Our Mission
The Guarini Institute creates innovative programs that advance the economic mobility of college students and underserved communities, with international education as a core pillar of its work.
The Guarini Institute, in partnership with the US‑Mexico Chamber of Commerce, hosted the June 2025 US‑Mexico Logistics Conference, where leading experts explored the latest trends in bi-national trade and supply chains across air, sea, and land routes.
The brokenNotbroke Interview is a monthly series on our YouTube channel where we speak with leaders of foundations working to ease the financial burden on families facing pediatric cancer.
In May 2025, the Guarini Institute hosted a joint reception for the Association of Consulates of Latin America in New Jersey (GLACO) and in New York (CLACNY) at the NJCU School of Business. The event welcomed esteemed consuls general, dignitaries, university leaders, and community advocates committed to advancing educational opportunity for Latino communities on both sides of the Hudson River.
Representing NJCU, Dr. Adrián Franco had the honor of participating in the opening bell ceremony at the Nasdaq stock exchange on September 16, 2024. Invited by the Mexican Consulate, Dr. Franco joined representatives from corporations, financial institutions, and nonprofit organizations in this historic moment for the Mexican-American community.
Governor Elect of the State of Puebla, Mexico, Alejandro Armenta, and Consul General of Mexico in New Jersey, Hon. Mariana Díaz, met with NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo to discuss new academic collaboration on technology and sustainability.
brokenNotbroke.org is a portal to help families whose household finances have been impacted by childhood cancer. The site offers quick access to information about hundreds of organizations nationwide offering financial support to pediatric cancer patients. The initiative also includes a monthly newsletter, video interviews with leaders of foundations in the field, and a helpline for users that need assistance navigating the portal.
June 8th, 2022: The Guarini Institute at NJCU hosted an international forum “Innovation and Security in Port Management in Israel and New Jersey” in which representatives from several Israeli firms (Port of Ashdod Company, Cyber 2.0, DockTech, Enwize, Salvador Technologies, Spinframe, and Storage Drop) presented about their companies to participants from the business ecosystem in NJ interested in port management, cybersecurity, logistics, and supply chain and included members of the chamber of commerce, incubators/accelerators, and trade associations.
Adrián Franco, the Executive Director of the Guarini Institute, and Luis Francisco Ornelas, a successful Mexican entrepreneur and fellow at the Young Leaders of the Americas program by the U.S. State Department. Luis worked on a strategic project for the Guarini Institute’s initiative brokenNotBroke.
On November 6, 2025, NJCU and Universidad de las Américas Puebla signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Mexico City, with Governor Phil Murphy and Kean University as witnesses.
In November 2025, the Guarini Institute joined the New Jersey Economic Mission to Mexico led by Governor Phil Murphy, participating in bilateral meetings with leading Mexican universities, state representatives, and business partners.
In October, the Guarini Institute launched SíSePuedelaUniversidad.org and YesYouCanGoToCollege.org, two college-access portals created for Latino, first-generation, and international students and their families.
(graphic: "Not sure where to start with college? We've been there. We're five students who are now in college, we're here to help you. You're not alone - and yes, you can go to college.")
News
Signed MOU with UDLAP during NJ Economic Mission to Mexico
On November 6, 2025, during the NJ Economic Mission to Mexico, NJCU and Universidad de las Américas Puebla signed a renewed MOU in Mexico City, with Governor Phil Murphy and Kean University as distinguished witnesses. Led by the Guarini Institute, this historic agreement deepens a decade-long partnership in international education, expanding opportunities for student and faculty exchange, joint research, and cross-border collaboration. The Guarini Institute’s leadership underscores New Jersey’s commitment to building sustainable educational bridges with Mexico that advance economic mobility and global engagement for students and communities on both sides of the border.
Guarini Institute launches SiSePuedelaUniversidad.org
On October 7, 2025, the Guarini Institute launched SíSePuedelaUniversidad.org and YesYouCanGoToCollege.org, two college-access portals created for Latino, first-generation, and international students and their families. Designed to demystify the U.S. higher-education process, the sites provide step-by-step guidance. The portals were officially launched during a special event with Latin American consulates—an early outcome of the new MOU between NJCU and GLACO—highlighting a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunity and strengthening support for students across the region.
NJCU and UDLAP establish Faculty Exchange
In Spring 2025, the Guarini Institute supported a landmark faculty exchange with Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP) in Mexico. This initiative brought UDLAP’s Dr. Martin Larsson to NJCU for lectures and mentorship, while NJCU’s Dr. John Donnellan traveled to Puebla to teach and present on global careers and internationalization. The exchange, recognized by UDLAP leadership, reflects NJCU’s commitment to global education, Latino community engagement, and economic mobility through international collaboration.
Historic Meeting Unites Latin American Consulates of NJ and NY at NJCU
In a groundbreaking moment for regional diplomacy and education, the Guarini Institute hosted a joint reception for the Latin American consulates of New Jersey and New York. This was the first time that GLACO (Grupo Latinoamericano de Cónsules en Nueva Jersey) and CLACNY (Coalición Latinoamericana de Cónsules en Nueva York) held a working meeting together in New Jersey to discuss timely topics like immigration policies and education opportunities.
Among the notable figures in attendance was Commissioner Manuel Castro, head of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.
NJCU Social Work Interns Contribute to Guarini Institute Through Hands-On Community Engagement and Research
NJCU social work students have taken on pivotal roles in the Guarini Institute’s project ‘brokenNotbroke.org'. This platform, designed to support families navigating the challenges of pediatric cancer, is strengthened by the dedication and hands-on experience of NJCU students. Interns are not only learning, but actively contributing to a resource that offers practical guidance to families in need. Through their internships, they gain real-world experience while developing core social work skills that directly impact their community. Among their contributions are a monthly newsletter and a helpline to navigate the portal.
MORE...
Guarini Institute Participates in Nasdaq Opening Bell Read More
Guarini Institute hosts ‘New Jersey-Mexico Business Conference’ Read More
NJCU’s Guarini Institute hosts webinar “Financial support for families facing childhood cancer: Launching the portal brokenNotBroke.” Read More
NJCU’s Guarini Institute Partnering with U.S. State Department’s Young Leaders from the Americas Program Read More
NJCU and GLACO Sign Groundbreaking MOU to support Latino and Latin America community. Read More
NJCU’s Guarini Institute Brings International Audience to Jersey City with “Innovation and Security in Port Management in Israel and New Jersey” Forum Read More
Governor Phil Murphy, Choose New Jersey and NJCU Sign Memorandums of Understanding with Ireland’s Top Tech Universities and Incubators Read More
A Conversation with John C. Williams, President & CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of New York Read More & Watch Our Event Recording