Brad Forenza

Dr. Brad Forenza is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy at Montclair State University's College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He holds a BS from Ithaca College, MSW from Columbia University, and PhD from Rutgers University. His research focuses on youth development, civic engagement, and social policy analysis, with a particular emphasis on fostering systemic change through community-based interventions. Dr. Forenza combines academic rigor with direct practice experience in human services and policy advocacy at state/federal levels.

Notable initiatives organized by Dr. Forenza include:

• MSW Policy Day at the NJ State House
• Progressive Era commemorations at Ellis Island
• International Social Welfare conferences at the United Nations
• Policy and Ideology forums at the NJ State House

His public scholarship extends beyond traditional academia through:

• A social welfare podcast series
• Documentary film productions exploring social issues
• Practice-oriented interviews with policymakers and practitioners
• Policy-based reports and speeches addressing contemporary welfare challenges

Research themes consistently emphasize marginalized populations, including foster youth, LGBTQ+ families, and urban youth of color. His work intersects with community organizing, arts-based interventions, and structural inequities affecting vulnerable communities. Dr. Forenza's publications and presentations consistently bridge theoretical frameworks with actionable policy recommendations.