Montclair State University Launches New Center for Latino Heritage and Spanish Language Excellence (CLaSE)

Building on its status as a leading Hispanic-Serving Institution, Montclair State University has launched the Center for Latino Heritage and Spanish Language Excellence (CLaSE), the first university-led initiative of its kind in New Jersey created specifically for the Latino, Hispanic and Spanish-speaking communities.

With the twofold mission of fostering the academic and personal growth of Latino and Spanish-speaking students while also building collaborative relationships with Latin American Indigenous communities residing in New Jersey and New York, CLaSE will serve as a platform to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Spanish-speaking and Latin American communities.

More than just a resource, CLaSE will serve as a hub for academic growth, cultural celebration and community engagement, highlighting Montclair’s commitment to multicultural awareness and global competencies and providing a space for learning, cultural exchange and community empowerment. Students will find opportunities to excel academically, professionally and personally through a combination of tailored support, mentorship programs and cultural activities.

About the Center for Latino Heritage and Spanish Language Excellence (CLaSE)

Housed in the Department of Spanish and Latino Studies of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, CLaSE is directed by Antonella Calarota-Ninman and offers resources, tools, opportunities and initiatives for all Montclair students, faculty, staff and administrators as well as off-campus collaborators. Its purpose is to enhance academic success and foster multicultural awareness through an array of services and initiatives that reflect the center’s commitment to bilingualism, cultural diversity and reciprocity.

Key CLaSE programs and initiatives include:

• Spanish Writing Center – Provides tailored support for students to excel in Spanish academic and professional writing.
• Certificates in Spanish for Careers – Beginning fall 2025, certificates will be offered in:
  • Spanish for Business
  • Spanish for Justice Studies
  • Spanish for Health Professionals (Undergraduate and Graduate)
• Oral History Program (HOLA) – An initiative that preserves and shares the stories of Latino and Hispanic communities, to enrich understanding of their experiences and contributions.
• Latin American Indigenous Collaborative (LAIC) – A partnership to meet members of indigenous communities in the region and beyond, promoting mutual understanding and respect.
• HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL – Spanish Conversation Meet-Ups – Informal, twice-a-week meet-ups open to anyone who wants to improve their Spanish conversation skills.

Montclair students, faculty and community members benefit from CLaSE’s blend of academics with a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. With the launch of the Center, the University is poised to continue leading the way in supporting the growing Latino and Indigenous populations across the region while preparing students for success in an increasingly globalized world.

“Through CLaSE, we aim to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates the Spanish language as a valuable asset,” says Calarota-Ninman. “We are thrilled to embark on this journey together to establish a welcoming space that honors the voices, cultures and experiences of our Latino, Spanish-speaking and Indigenous communities.”

Hispanic Initiatives at Montclair State University

In addition to the Center for Latino Heritage and Spanish Language Excellence, Montclair offers many other programs and events through its Office for Hispanic Initiatives. Among those are:

• Hispanic Student College Institute (HSCI)
• Hispanic Student Scholarships, Internships, Fellowships and Pre-college Programs
• Hispanic/Latinx Alumni Network (HLAN)
• Hispanic Heritage Month

Are You A…

Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about the Center for Latino Heritage and Spanish Language Excellence (CLaSE), the College of Humanities and Social Sciences or take the next step and apply to Montclair. Follow CLaSE on Instagram.

Journalist? Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with Director Calarota-Ninman. See more Faculty Experts and hi-res media assets available for download.