Formerly the Office of Hispanic Affairs, the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD) was created in 1975 during the Bryne administration to address the needs of the Hispanic population, as a nascent, but growing demographic in New Jersey.
During its earliest years, the Office of Hispanic Affairs was primarily charged with providing funding, through annual legislative appropriations, and technical assistance to community-based organizations. Additionally, the Office of Hispanic Affairs was responsible for keeping the Legislature informed of legislative initiatives with potential impacts on the Hispanic community. Incorporating youth development and training, the Office of Hispanic Affairs launched the Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program, known today as the Governors Hispanic Fellows Program, as a pilot program in 1988.
Through persistent advocacy by Director Maria Vizcarrondo, the Office of Hispanic Affairs was formally renamed to the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development in August 1991. Under the new name, the role of Center expanded its responsibilities to include research and development activities. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Center, a retrospective study was commissioned and published to document its long history and provide recommendations to further its mission. In 2025, the CHPRD celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Governor Brendan Byrne Announces Intent to Create an Office of Hispanic Affairs
At the fifth annual convention of the Puerto Rican Congress of New Jersey in New Brunswick, Governor Byrne announces his intention to form an Office of Hispanic Affairs. Governor Bryne states that the primary function of this new office would be to ““provide better communication and liaison between the Hispanic community and the Governor's office.”
[New York Times, 1974]
The Office of Hispanic Affairs is Established
Created within the DCA’s Division of Community Resources, the Office of Hispanic Affairs (“OHA”) is formally established. When established, the OHA was charged with offering technical assistance in funding and community organization, disseminating research and information, and to allocate appropriation from the Legislature for local Latino organizations.
[Bonilla-Santiago Report, 1997, p. 8]
Early Criticism of OHA
Despite being early proponents of the agency, the Puerto Rican Congress was of the most vocal critics of OHA. At their 6th annual convention, the Congress took issue with OHA’s designation within the Department of Community Affairs, rather than being it own cabinet level office. Further, the Congress took issue with the State’s failure to employ Hispanics in high-ranking positions with state government.
[New York Times, 1975]
The Mariel Boat Lift
Refugees, called Marielitos, from Cuba and Haiti arrive to the United States, 20,000 are estimated to have arrived in New Jersey, particularly Hudson County. Prior to this event, the OHA primarily serviced Puerto Rican organizations and Cubans were regarded as less in need of social services. The arrival of the Marielitos would provide the OHA with a new constituency.
[Bonilla-Santiago Report, 1997, p.12]
Appointment of David Matos
Following an extended period under which the OHA had no Executive Director or leadership structure, David Matos was appointed to serve as Director. During his brief tenure, Director Matos was instrumental in re-establishing the OHA’s credibility among the Hispanic community and the Legislature.
[Bonilla Santiago Report, 1997, p. 14]
Expanding Reach and Visibility
In the mid-1980s, the OHA began to expand their services and programming. Partnering with Thomas Edison State University, the OHA initiated a program to recruit Hispanics and assist them with completing their bachelor’s degree. Additionally, OHA began a campaign dedicated to increasing Hispanic civic engagement and voter registration in partnership with channel 41.
[Bonilla-Santiago Report, 1997, p.21]
Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program is Launched
Initially started as a pilot program, the Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program placed Hispanic college students with summer jobs at the DCA. The intention behind the program was to encourage these students to enter a career in government, in addition to strengthening communication and research skills.
[Bonilla-Santiago Report, 1997, p.23]
Office of Hispanic Affairs’ Advisory Committee is Formed
To address concerns of lack of uniform proposal review process, the OHA Advisory Committee was established to assist OHA in making preliminary funding recommendations for existing and new grantees. At the time, members served two-year terms and the chairperson was nominated and elected by the members. Funding recommendations would be delivered by chairperson to the Director of OHA.
[Bonilla-Santiago Report, 1997, p. 24]
OHA Rebrands to Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development
The growth and increased recognition of the OHA throughout the 1980s, led to a proposal by OHA to rebrand to the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (“CHPRD”), as to better reflect the expanded mission of the organization. In the summer of 1991, the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development was formally created. At the same time, OHA’s internship program expanded to include job placements in other State, local, and community-based agencies, moving reliance away from DCA placements.
[Bonilla-Santiago Report, 1997, p. 25, 30]
The State of Affairs of Latinos in New Jersey
As part of the Center’s mandate to conduct research on Hispanics in the State, CHPRD worked alongside Rutgers University to develop the “The State of Affairs of Latinos in New Jersey” report. The report found that while some agencies had been responding to the need to the Hispanic community, more work had to be done to expand State initiatives and community outreach.
[Bonilla-Santiago Report, 1997, p.35]
Further Expansion of the Latino Fellows Leadership Institute and the Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program
Under Director Diaz, appointed by Governor Christie Todd Whitman, CHPRD expanded the Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program to include 29 placements through partnerships with private organizations. Boosting efforts was CHPRD’s role as a consultant to Union Latina, a Hispanic on-campus organization at The College of New Jersey. In 1997, the program was expected to serve 50 students.
[Bonilla-Santiago Report, 1997, p.37]
The Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development Foundation is Established
An incorporated entity, the CHPRD Foundation, was established to support and promote CHPRD’s programs and initiatives. During its lifetime, the Foundation was overseen by a Corporate Partnership Board. In addition to providing a mechanism for corporate leaders to market their goods and better serve the Latino/Hispanic population, the Foundation also supported the Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program through the establishment of outside partnership with corporations.
[Bonilla-Santiago Report, 1997, p. 37]
CHPRD’s Proposed Move to the Department of State
Governor Christie Todd Whitman unveils her proposed reorganization plan. Among the changes, CHPRD is proposed to move to the New Jersey Department of State’s Office of Minority Programs. Fearful that proposed reorganization would dilute the effectiveness of the Center, Hispanic community-based organizations protest, arguing that the move would not be “a match for the Center’s mission and goals.” Pressure by Hispanic organization and leaders lead to DCA Commissioner Jane Kenny to withdraw her proposal.
[Trenton Evening Times, 1999, p.3]
Budget Crisis
Facing a massive budget deficit, the McGreevey administration proposes its FY2004 Budget. Among the deep budget cuts across agencies was a 50 percent reduction in funding for CHPRD, from $2.62 million to $1.26 million. Following outcry from then-Congressman Bob Menendez and other Hispanic leaders in the State, Governor McGreevey restores budget cuts.
[Press of Atlantic City, 2003, p.33]
Hispanic Heritage Month’s Latino Bus & Bike Tour
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, CHPRD, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of State, launches the Latino Bus & Bike Tour. A seven-day tour of the State recognizing Hispanic history, cultural, and heritage, the initiative drew in elected officials, organizations, and residents from across the State.
[Hudson Reporter Publications, 2005, p.1]
Proposed Elimination CHPRD
Under Governor Christie’s FY2011 Budget Proposal, the entire $3.7 million appropriation for CHPRD is recommended for elimination. This proposal elimination sparked outrage among the Hispanic community who ask the Christie administration to restore funding to CHPRD. A compromise between Christie administration and the Legislature results in the survival of the Center.
[Herald News, 2010, p.1]
CHPRD Moves to the Department of State
After 35 years at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, CHPRD to the New Jersey Department of State.
Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program is Renamed Governor’s Hispanics Fellows Program.
CHPRD’s longstanding internship program receives a new name to better reflect its impact and mission.
Governor’s Hispanic Fellows Program Forms an Alumni Association
With seed funding from the Department of State, the New Jersey Hispanic Leaders and Fellows Alumni Association for previous Fellows/Interns from the Governor’s Hispanic Fellows Program (formerly, the Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program) is formed.
[Press Release, 2019]
CHPRD Celebrates 50th Anniversary
In celebration of CHPRD’s 50th Anniversary, CHPRD spotlights the work of grantees at the New Jersey State Museum.
Governor’s Hispanic Fellows Program Will Celebrate 40 Years of Advancing Hispanic Leadership.
The Governor's Hispanic Fellows Program will mark four decades of developing Hispanic leaders and fostering careers in public service.
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