Get Involved with the Global Center on Human Trafficking!
The Global Center on Human Trafficking (GCHT) at Montclair State University offers students a variety of opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the fight against human trafficking. Whether you want to gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, or contribute to community outreach and advocacy, GCHT has a role for you.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Commitment: 8-20 hours per week (per semester depending on academic program requirements)
- Overview: Interns work closely with GCHT staff, assisting with projects such as event planning, social media content creation, peer-to-peer education, and community engagement. Internships offer valuable experience for those looking to deepen their knowledge of human trafficking issues and advocacy.
- No prior experience is required.
Become a GCHT Student Ambassador
- Commitment: 1 academic year (weekly 1hr commitment during the semester)
- Overview: Student Ambassadors serve as peer educators and advocates, helping to raise awareness on campus about human trafficking. Responsibilities include leading workshops, volunteering at GCHT events, and facilitating peer group discussions. Ambassadors also attend bi-weekly check-ins and collaborate with fellow students to promote the GCHT’s mission.
Human Trafficking Certificate Program*
- Commitment: 15 total credits
- Overview: Provides students with a comprehensive and critical understanding of global human trafficking, including extent, causes, impact, perpetrators, victims, and responses.
- Open to all majors
Who Can Participate?
All opportunities are open to students from Montclair State University and Bloomfield College of Montclair State University unless otherwise specified.
Interested in joining us? Reach out to gcht@montclair.edu
*As of Fall 2024, not yet available to Bloomfield College students.
My time volunteering and interning with the Global Center of Human Trafficking has been transformative both academically and personally. Not only have I met wonderful people who provided me with the training and knowledge that consisted of this interdisciplinary study, but they allowed me to participate in vital research, which allowed me to engage in real-world issues. – Student Intern
Spring 2025 – Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Fall 2025 – Application Deadline: April 12, 2025 (TBA)
Application Requirements:
The Global Center on Human Trafficking offers 2 internships per semester for undergraduate and graduate students. Candidates will be required to submit a resume alone with 1-2 paragraphs answering the following questions:
- Why are you interested in this internship?
- What skills are you hoping to learn/gain?
- What are your future career goals/aspirations?
- Anything else we should know about you?
Internship Description
Mandatory Office Drop-In Hours: Staff the Global Center on Human Trafficking Office during drop-in hours once a week to answer students’ questions about how to get involved with the center, add students to our mailing list, etc. The duration and office schedule will be discussed and created with the internship supervisor at the beginning of the internship.
*Please note: hours can be done both in person and virtually.
Projects may include:
- Assisting with Event Organizing
- Developing and Leading Community Workshops
- Creating and Researching for Social Media Campaigns
- Leading the Student Ambassador Program
- Supporting in the Engagement of Libraries in Preventing and Addressing Human Trafficking: State of New Jersey study
- Supporting Safe Space Training
Please submit all applications to Internship Supervisor, Ashlee Martellacci, Student Affairs and Community Engagement Coordinator, via email martellaccia@montclair.edu by the deadlines listed above.
*Interviews for the Spring 2025 semester will be held between November 18th and November 25th. Interviews for the Fall 2025 semester will be announced at a later date.
Join a passionate team of student leaders at the Global Center on Human Trafficking (GCHT) dedicated to raising awareness and combating human trafficking. As a Student Ambassador, you’ll develop your leadership and public speaking skills while directly contributing to trafficking prevention and peer education.
The GCHT Student Ambassador Program educates and empowers future leaders to address human trafficking from a human rights perspective. This opportunity allows undergraduate and graduate students at Montclair State University to enhance their understanding of human trafficking by supporting GCHT activities and organizing awareness events on campus.
Commitment: Serve for one academic year (1 hour weekly commitment during the fall and spring semesters).
Training: Complete Human Trafficking 101 (1.5 hours) in-person or online.
Peer Education: Become a Human Trafficking 101 peer educator or workshop leader.
Meetings: Attend bi-weekly planning, training, and check-in meetings with the Student Ambassador Advisor.
Group Facilitation: Co-facilitate bi-weekly open groups with GCHT interns and fellow ambassadors.
Volunteer Work: Volunteer at least once per semester for GCHT events.
Social Media Engagement: Share GCHT’s social media posts and promote upcoming events.
Why Become a GCHT Student Ambassador?
- Gain hands-on experience in anti-trafficking advocacy and education.
- Enhance your resume with practical leadership and professional experience.
- Develop your leadership and public speaking abilities.
- Make a tangible impact in your community by preventing and raising awareness of human trafficking.
- Join a passionate community of student leaders and advocates committed to fostering positive social change.
- Play a vital role in supporting the Global Center’s work and increasing awareness of human trafficking on campus and in surrounding communities.
- Build valuable networking connections for your future career.
- Collaborate with professionals who have lived experiences.
- Make new friends.
- Receive a “Certificate of Completion” upon successfully finishing the program.
Importance of Raising Awareness About Human Trafficking
Raising awareness is the crucial first step in preventing human trafficking. Many people are unaware of its scope and various forms of exploitation. To combat this issue, we must understand its true nature, as it can affect anyone, especially vulnerable populations. College campuses include at-risk groups such as first-time students, first-generation students, international students, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ students, study-abroad participants, visiting faculty and staff, undocumented migrants, and victims of abuse.
Educating these individuals about human trafficking, labor laws, and the signs to look for could make a significant difference. Increased awareness leads to prevention, early intervention, justice, and long-term support for trafficking survivors.
Program Requirements
- Open to undergraduate and graduate students of all majors.
- Commit to serving for one academic year (Fall 2024-Spring 2025).
- Complete Human Trafficking 101 (1.5 hours) either in-person or online.
- Become a Human Trafficking 101 peer educator or workshop leader.
- Attend bi-weekly planning and check-in meetings with the Student Ambassador Advisor.
- Co-facilitate bi-weekly groups with GCHT interns and fellow ambassadors.
- Volunteer at least once a semester for GCHT events.
- Share GCHT’s social media posts and events.
Characteristics of Ambassadors
We seek volunteers who are passionate about the work of the GCHT. Candidates should be respectful, kind, and professional, exhibiting high integrity (no gossip) while collaborating with experienced experts. The GCHT will provide opportunities for volunteers to engage, but we also welcome students eager to create awareness around human trafficking.
If this sounds like you, apply to join our GCHT Student Ambassador Program today!
For more information about the Student Ambassador Program, please contact: Ashlee Martellacci.