Among the first AmeriCorps programs hosted by MSU was the Education, Environment and Community Outreach (EECO) program which engaged multiple AmeriCorps members each year. Members supported initiatives in public schools, community- and faith-based organizations, non-profits, and other civic organizations in Northern New Jersey.
Our EECO AmeriCorps members knew how to get things done and contributed a year of service under the following titles:
- Conservation Specialist: AmeriCorps members teach environmental education (e.g. Forest Ecology, Team Building, Conservation Photography, History of Natural Resource Use, etc.) to elementary and middle school students.
- Family Liaison: AmeriCorps members provide parent engagement and improve school climate and culture by providing services to parents, students and staff all while focusing on the community school initiative.
- Volunteer Coordinator and Service Learning Coordinator: AmeriCorps members implement a powerful volunteer generation program to recruit, train, place and coordinate 2,200 University students, faculty, staff and alumni to make positive contributions toward addressing issues of importance to cities and towns in the region.
Our EECO AmeriCorps members developed professional skills and volunteer experience while being provided with valuable training to support them within their AmeriCorps term and enhanced their knowledge for their future profession. AmeriCorps members were provided with a living allowance stipend, health insurance benefits, personal and vacation time and an education award (upon contract completion). These funds were to be used towards future education costs or to pay off federal student loans, etc.
The EECO AmeriCorps program concluded in 2020 and was followed by the launch of the New Jersey COVID Service Corps, a new AmeriCorps initiative aimed at serving underserved populations directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Daniela Chica
AmeriCorps Program Director
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Email: chicad@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-7895
For more information visit the AmeriCorps website, and our Instagram page at eeco.americorps.