Passaic Today

Montclair State University has been awarded two grants amounting to nearly $1 million, aimed at continuing the work of its AmeriCorps Healthy Communities Corps. The initiative focuses on supporting underserved communities in New Jersey that are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was provided by the NJ Commission on National and Community Service, which is dedicated to enhancing civic engagement and community service across the state.

The primary grants include a $731,407 allocation intended to help vulnerable communities address health disparities worsened by COVID-19. This grant will also aid in developing a pipeline of allied health workers trained in community service, clinical practice, and social determinants of health. Additionally, a $244,902 AmeriCorps Formula Grant will increase the program's capacity to support public health, education, and social services.

AmeriCorps members will be engaged in various roles such as Health Services Volunteers who will disseminate information and run programs related to public health issues like sustainability, mental health, and food insecurity. Other roles include Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Team Members who will assist individuals affected by COVID-19 with assessments and recovery-related services in schools. Tutors and Mentors will serve in high-need schools like Eastside High School in Paterson to foster academic success.

The Office for Community Engagement and Partnerships leads Montclair's efforts to enhance New Jersey communities through initiatives such as the One Square Mile project in Paterson. This project emphasizes racial justice, equity, public health, and student achievement.

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

He further adds: “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 fostering community engagement.”

Montclair recently received recognition with the prestigious Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification for its dedication to leadership that promotes public goods including justice equity diversity and liberty making it one of only 25 U.S colleges universities -the only public institution New Jersey- awarded this honor.

AmeriCorps is often referred to as "Domestic Peace Corps," connecting over 70 thousand Americans annually with service opportunities across various fields such as education public health among others providing members stipend education award their contribution.

At Montclair members benefit from networking training conferences while impacting local communities positively applications accepted rolling basis.