AmeriCorps VISTA Changebuilder at Kean University

At Kean University, we provide a world-class education that cultivates globally adept individuals who are prepared to engage and compete in an interconnected world. The Diversity Council provides member district, charter, and private schools as well as community organizations with opportunities that empower educators to create safe, inclusive learning environments for all students. The Center for International Studies supports the journey of students seeking to study abroad, welcomes and provides services to our international community at Kean, and supports the globalization of Kean¿s campuses.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, the Changebuilder VISTA worked with the Diversity Council to promote the 2022 New Jersey Civics Education Mandate to 130+ member districts, charter schools, and community organizations. For the 2023-2024 academic year, we want to ensure that we are engaging students from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented populations that ordinarily may not be brought on to participate in these types of initiatives. We hope to create meaningful and engaged volunteers, some of which are at Kean as visiting international students. For many, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about U.S. civics and democracy, community building, and changemaking.

The Changebuilder will help us create a culture of changebuilders with a focus on international students as well as first generation university students. Kean is a Hispanic Serving Institution and the first designated Urban Research University in New Jersey. The proposed partnership between the two departments will help the VISTA get to know and work with a diversity of students, faculty, and staff from other cultures and traditions.