Montclair State University\u2019s yearlong Environment, Education and Community Outreach (EECO) AmeriCorps national service program can be an ideal bridge for college graduates poised to enter a competitive job market.<\/p>\n
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Now in its fifth year at the University, the federally funded program is kicking off its recruitment drive for the 2014-2015 program. Twenty recruits will be accepted this year for the program, which starts in September. Nationally, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve with local and national nonprofit groups each year.<\/p>\n
Montclair State\u2019s EECO AmeriCorps program targets recent college graduates wishing to serve in public schools, non-profit organizations, community- and faith-based organizations and other civic organizations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe EECO AmeriCorps program promotes personal and professional development,\u201d says Bryan Murdock, the University\u2019s director of Service-Learning and Community Engagement and coordinator of its EECO AmeriCorps program. \u201cIn a tight job market, it gives graduates \u2013 especially those in the fields of teaching, and family and social services \u2013 an opportunity to gain an additional year of highly valuable and relevant career building experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
EECO AmeriCorps participants work 40 hours a week and receive a stipend of $12,100 as well as a $5,500 educational award to pay off student loans or fund further education. Student loan payments are deferred for one-year, with the Corporation for National and Community Service paying the interest for the year of service. Program participants also receive priority consideration for any federal government jobs they apply to within one year of completing their national service.<\/p>\n
The 2014-2015 recruits will assist teachers in the Orange public schools; teach middle school students about environmental conservation at Montclair State\u2019s New Jersey School of Conservation in Branchville; and serve at Montclair State, in the office of Service-Learning and Community Engagement, as well as in the Volunteer Resource Center in the Center for Student Involvement.<\/p>\n