Berry Institute of Politics Sponsorship Packages

Make your impression on the greater Salem/Boston area with one of our annual sponsorship opportunities. 

Established in 2019, the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics (Berry IOP) aims to inspire students to be active in our democracy and to pursue careers in politics and public service. This nonpartisan institute seeks to expand political engagement at Salem State University (SSU) and the greater North Shore community. Throughout the academic year the Berry IOP brings policymakers, political and private sector leaders and public officials to campus to engage in programming that focuses on issues of significance to Massachusetts. In addition to programming, the Berry IOP leads Salem State’s voter engagement, hosts political debates and discussions, supports students with career interests in politics, and awards scholarships for public service internships.  
 

• Over 90,000 alumni and friends 

• 71,000 alumni 

• 80% live in Massachusetts 

• 43% live within Essex County 

• 35% live and work within the Boston area 

• 6,500 current full-time and part-time students 

• 1,200 current faculty and staff 

Our Reach 

• 1,200+ followers across social media platforms   

• 200 Legislators in Massachusetts Legislative Branch 

• Connected with over 150 executive offices, departments and agencies in Massachusetts Executive Branch  

• Over 1,000 engaged civic leaders across Commonwealth 

• Over 1,500 Berry IOP email list 

Benefits of each sponsorship package will be appropriately valued and the remaining portion will be tax deductible. All sponsorships will be sent directly to the Salem State Alumni Association and Foundation and funds will be distributed appropriately thereafter.

Each spring semester, the Berry IOP invites two prominent political and public leaders to campus to serve as fellows. These leaders may include elected officials, journalists, activists, lawyers, policymakers, and other public servants. As rising or seasoned professionals with vast professional networks, fellows share their knowledge, skills and experiences with students who are exploring and pursuing careers in politics and public service. As current practitioners, fellows support students building practical skills that will supplement what they are learning in academic courses.  

 
Fellows visit campus multiple times throughout the semester to lead both curricular and  co-curricular programs including visiting classes, hosting meals with students and coordinating speakers and workshop events. Through ongoing engagements, fellows serve as a resource for students to learn, network and engage with change-makers in the field. The IOP Fellowship engages over 500 students, faculty, staff, and community members throughout the semester.

Past Fellows have included:

Spring 2022 

• Kim Janey, Mayor of Boston 

• Jennifer Levi, Trans Rights Lawyer 

Spring 2023  

• Eugenia Gibbons, Climate Expert 

• Jane Swift, Governor of Massachusetts 

Spring 2024  

• Tomás Gonzalez, Political Strategist 

• Alison King, Political Journalist 

Spring 2025  

• Marylou Sudders, Secretary of Health and Human Services for Massachusetts 

• James “Jimmy” Hills, Community Advocate and Talk Show Host 

Spring 2026  

• Jon Santiago, Physician and Public Servant 

• Tanisha Sullivan, Business Leader, Civic Innovator  

As a sponsor of the Berry IOP Fellows program, you will align your organization with students and community members in sharing a passion for civic engagement. This valuable partnership will provide exposure to Salem State students, faculty and staff, as well as seasoned professionals in the greater North Shore community. 

Presenting Sponsor: $5,000 

Benefits include:  

• Company logo on all print materials associated with Berry IOP Fellows program  

• Company name on all digital communication for program  

• Company mentioned in all event press releases where applicable 

• Company name mentioned in social media posts about program  

• Company logo and link included on Berry IOP webpage  

• Acknowledgement at all fellows events and programs  

• Opportunity for company representative to speak or participate in events where applicable  

• Opportunity to attend events where applicable  

• Opportunity to table at final fellow event 

Feature Sponsor: $1,500  

Benefits include:  

• Company logo on select print materials associated with Berry IOP Fellows program  

• Company name on select digital communication for program  

• Company name mentioned in select social media posts about program  

• Company logo and link included on Berry IOP webpage  

• Opportunity to attend Berry IOP fellows events where applicable  

• Opportunity to table at final fellow event   

Supporting Sponsor: $500  

Benefits include:  

• Company logo on select print materials associated with Berry IOP Fellows program  

• Company name on select digital communication for program  

• Company name and link included on Berry IOP webpage  

• Opportunity to attend Berry IOP events where applicable 

Hannah Levine | Assistant Director, Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics | 978.542.5244 | hlevine@salemstate.edu 

Brenna Ruchala | Associate Director, Engagement Events & Sponsorships | 978.542.2642 | bruchala@salemstate.edu