Nearly $1M in AmeriCorps Funding Allows Montclair Students to Continue Serving NJ Communities

Montclair State University has received two grants totaling nearly $1 million to continue the work of its AmeriCorps Healthy Communities Corps, focusing on aiding underserved communities still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were awarded by the NJ Commission on National and Community Service, which supports initiatives aimed at improving civic engagement and community service across New Jersey.

Primary Grants

• A $731,407 grant will help vulnerable communities address health disparities exacerbated by COVID-19 and build a pipeline of allied health workers trained in community service, clinical practice and social determinants of health.
• A $244,902 AmeriCorps Formula Grant will expand the program’s capacity to assist with public health, education and social services.

AmeriCorps members will provide direct services as:

• Health Services Volunteers: Members will disseminate information, plan events and run programming related to public health issues, including sustainability, mental health and food insecurity, increasing community health and wellness.
• Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Team Members: These members will assist individuals impacted by COVID-19, including those experiencing language loss, by providing assessments and recovery-related services in schools.
• Tutors and Mentors: Serving in high-need schools, such as Eastside High School in Paterson, these members will build relationships with students, teachers and the community, fostering a passion for learning and increasing academic success.

Commitment to Public Service

The Office for Community Engagement and Partnerships leads Montclair’s efforts to improve New Jersey communities, including the One Square Mile initiative in Paterson. This collective impact project focuses on racial justice, equity, public health and student achievement in New Jersey’s third-largest city.

“As President Jonathan Koppell aims to establish Montclair as the leading public service institution in the state, programs like AmeriCorps play a crucial role,” says Bryan D. Murdock, Associate Vice President of Community Partnerships.

“For the past 15 years, Montclair students participating in AmeriCorps have worked collaboratively with community partners across New Jersey. Together, they have tackled pressing issues in education, public health, homelessness and food insecurity, demonstrating the University’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges and fostering community engagement,” Murdock adds.

Montclair was recently awarded the prestigious Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification, which recognizes institutions committed to leadership in pursuit of public goods, including justice, equity, diversity and liberty. Montclair is one of only 25 U.S. colleges and universities – the only public institution in New Jersey – to receive this honor.

Learn How to Serve in AmeriCorps 

Often referred to as the “Domestic Peace Corps,” AmeriCorps connects more than 70,000 Americans annually with service opportunities in education, public health and other fields. Members receive a stipend and education award for their service.

At Montclair, AmeriCorps Healthy Communities Corps members benefit from networking, training and conferences, while making a real impact on local communities. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis. 

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