Service-Learning and Community Engagement
Programs
Volunteer Resource Center
The Volunteer Resource Center's (VRC) main objective is to construct, improve, and nurture a principle of lifelong service among the Montclair State University community by encouraging students, faculty, staff, and alumni to participate in community outreach projects on and off campus. The VRC is committed to providing opportunities for community service involvement, service learning, and campus organizational development and is available for the entire MSU community. Individuals interested in serving, whether for a one time service opportunity, a temporary service placement or a long term service placement, should visit the VRC. The VRC also uses Noble Hour, (https://www.noblehour.com/education/284245862/) which is a community-driven social platform for schools, non-profits, for-profits, and municipalities for building community partnerships, increasing civic engagement, and measuring impact. For more information, please contact Hezekiah Harris, harrishe@mail.montclair.edu, (973) 655-5318
Service-Learning Program
Service-Learning is a form of experiential education provided to college students that links academic study to real world experiences. It is a credit-bearing program that enhances academic learning, builds maturity and insight, and prepares students for active citizenship and lifelong learning. In addition, fosters civic responsibility by focusing on critical, reflective thinking and an appreciation of larger social issues inherent in a democracy. Service-Learning at MSU is a course-based bearing educational experience in which students participate in an organized community-based service activity. This activity meets identified community needs, and provides a student with sufficient time to reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain a greater understanding of course content and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility. Currently, the service-learning program has 500-700 students enrolled per semester. This summer we will host an exciting international Service-Learning course in Peru. Please see brochure more information on the Peru Trip, or contact Dr. Katherine McCaffrey at mccafferyk@mail.montclair.edu.
Bonner Leader AmeriCorps
The Bonner Program is designed to heighten the overall education students and members receive by asking them to engage in ongoing service work and helping them develop the experience, skills, knowledge and values necessary to make that work meaningful and lasting. Bonner Leaders commit to an average of 10 hours of service a week. These hours are made up primarily of service to a community agency or project, but also from activities such as in-service workshops, training sessions, and retreats that address pertinent issues and teach valuable, transferable skills. Bonner Leaders receive a minimum of a $1,400 stipend through the program or, if eligible through the Federal Work-Study program. Bonner Leaders are also eligible to receive a $1,000 education award (scholarship) when they complete their one-year term of 300 hours of community service. This education award can be used to offset educational costs including tuition and student loans.To find out more information on the Bonner Leader AmeriCorps Program, please contact Krystal Woolston, woolstonk@mail.montclair.edu, (973) 655-4268
EECO AmeriCorps Program
EECO AmeriCorps Program is a New Jersey State AmeriCorps program, based out of Montclair State University and the New Jersey School of Conservation. The EECO program, currently consisting of 15 members for the 2011-2012 grant year, provides outreach through Environment, Education and Community. Members currently serve at the School of Conservation, in Montclair and Orange Public Schools, at the Montclair YMCA, and at MSU. Besides serving at primary service sites, all EECO members meet often to collaborate on additional service projects, leadership and professional training. To find out more information about the EECO AmeriCorps Program, please contact Bryan Murdock, murdockb@mail.montclair.edu, (973) 655-6831
