NJCSC AmeriCorps Program

AmeriCorps Logo

The Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Montclair State University, in collaboration with the NJ Commission on National and Community Service and additional higher education institutions, state entities, and local non-profit organizations have come together to establish the New Jersey COVID-19 Service Corps (NJCSC).

This initiative is rapidly boosting the State’s capacity to address and ameliorate the devastating public health crisis of COVID-19 by increasing vitally needed services to those community members most affected by the economic, physical, and mental health repercussions due to the pandemic. At the same time, it provides paid training opportunities and education awards to undergraduate students and recent graduates in the allied health fields; including public health, social work, nursing, and counseling. In addition, to expanding critical public health services during the pandemic and supporting the education of professionals in these fields, the NJ COVID-19 Service Corps creates a cadre of future health leaders dedicated to service in the State, who have exemplary training and shared connections across the allied health fields. The NJCSC can also be adapted to serve future public health needs beyond the pandemic, and can serve as a replicable model for other fields and other states.

The NJCSC leverages the State’s existing AmeriCorps program to fast track the deployment of student volunteers to local, on-the-ground community organizations, human service agencies, hospitals, health clinics, affordable housing agencies, and K-12 schools, rapidly boosting the ability of these organizations to efficiently and effectively address the physical and mental health impacts of the coronavirus.

5 AmeriCorps members take photo on university stairs

The New Jersey COVID-19 Service Corps promotes health equity now and in the future by creating a coordinated, dedicated cadre of future public health leaders, the majority of whom represent the communities in which they serve; increasing and enhancing capacity for on-the-ground public health organizations to promote health equity; and helping to bring together the allied health fields which must work together for the greater public good.

Currently, there are 60+ members enrolled between four schools in New Jersey including Montclair State University, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Rutgers-Camden, and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). In addition, NJCSC is partnered with NJ 211, the Mental Health Association of New Jersey, and a Future with Hope.

Click here to learn more!

Want to become a member?

If you have a passion for service and supporting your community during this time of need please contact:

Daniela Chica
NJCSC AmeriCorps Program Director
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Email: chicad@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-7895