Montclair State University AmeriCorps

Bonner Leader AmeriCorps Program

Montclair State University is one of more than 60 colleges and universities nation-wide honored to host a Bonner Leaders AmeriCorps Program. The Bonner Leader Program is part of AmeriCorps, a national service initiative that provides opportunities for participants to engage in community service in return for a modest stipend and scholarship funds. Each year over 100,000 American citizens and college students serve their communities and country through participation in AmeriCorps programs located throughout the U.S.

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.

While the financial aspect is not the primary motivation for individuals to join AmeriCorps, it does provide valuable monetary assistance as well as empowers each student to invest their time, energy and idealism in a positive and enriching experience.

At Montclair State University, the Bonner program has launched the Bonner SPOTS Community Service Resource Room, in an effort to connect students with community partners and volunteer opportunities. The Bonner Leaders also participate in mentoring and tutoring programs with community partners, support charitable initiatives on campus and attend local, state, and national training meetings, retreats, and lead community service projects. If you are interested in information about current service opportunities, complete our online survey.

The MSU Bonner Leaders AmeriCorps Program is a collaboration between the Service Learning and Community Engagement program and the Center for Student Involvement.

If you are interested in being a Bonner Leader, please contact Bryan Murdock at murdockb@mail.montclair.edu

Environment, Education, and Community Outreach (EECO)

The Environment, Education, and Community Outreach (EECO) project is a collaboration of Montclair State University's New Jersey School of Conservation, Service-Learning and Community Engagement Program, and Center for Student Involvement. EECO project will work to assist public schools, community- and faith-based organizations, non-profits, and other civic organizations effected by the economic down-turn and the state's economic crisis by leveraging the power of AmeriCorps members to significantly expand the scope and range of MSU's community engagement efforts in order to better serve its community partners. The largest component of EECO involves the creation of a conservation corps that will support the education and conservation mission of the School of Conservation. Once fully operational, approximately 25 EECO AmeriCorps members will contribute to the community while developing valuable skills to support their professional and personal development. EECO is funded by a $260,000 grant from the New Jersey Commission on National and Community Service.