Community Engagement
Stepping Up in Time of Crises
- When Hurricane Sandy devastated the area in 2012, a short-term hospital was set up in the College’s Physical Education Center.
- When a fire gutted the James Monroe Elementary School in March 2014, the College provided building space on campus for three months so that students could continue to learn and finish the academic year.
Community-Engaged Learning
We offer community-engaged learning (CEL) courses across academic disciplines, in ways that help students understand the impact of climate change, our criminal justice system, homelessness, food insecurity, and more, out in the real world. Our community partners in this endeavor such as the Raritan Headwaters and New Brunswick Community Food Alliance have been fundamental to our efforts in providing CEL opportunities for our students.
“It’s closing the loop in what they learn academically and then applying it in their communities in a way that has impact. It’s eye-opening for students when they realize what they’re doing can effect change beyond the classroom.”Charlotte Quigley Director of Civic Engagement and Community Partnerships at Middlesex College.
Our Students Live Our Values
Middlesex College students dedicate over 3,000 hours of community service each year.
- During the pandemic, students collected food donations and essential items such as diapers, coats and socks for shelters, the Central Jersey Diaper Bank and other non-profits.
- For the 2020 election, students encouraged students and residents to get out and vote through numerous activities as part of the Promote the Vote initiative.
Democracy House
Democracy House, the Center for Civic Engagement at Middlesex College, brings together nearly 40 students per year to work on community service projects. They serve food at area soup kitchens and community cafes, act as big brothers and sisters to children in after-school programs, supervise entrepreneur programs for middle school students, and mentor high school students in college preparation.
Bonner Leader Program
Housed at the Democracy House Center, the Bonner Leader Program is a serve, learn and earn program that focuses on engaging students in meaningful community service and leadership activities. Eligible for federal work-study, our Bonner program provides students a package of incentives and rewards for their community service and training.
Learn more about program benefits, requirements, and how to apply:
Bonner Leader Program Application
Summer Service Internship Program
The Democracy House Summer Service Internship Program connects current and incoming Middlesex College students with opportunities to serve the local community through service. The goal of the program is to meaningfully support local non-profit organization’s missions and programming while also developing students personally, professionally, and as civic-minded leaders and members of society.
Learn more about the program requirements and how to apply:
Summer Service Internship Program Application
Our Impact
20% average annual ROI – Middlesex College generates more in local tax revenue than it takes in. For every dollar invested by state and local taxpayers, $6.70 is generated in added taxes and public sector savings.
6,770 jobs created – by past and present students at Middlesex College account for 6,770 jobs in the area and they generate $477.5 million in added annual income for the county.
$46.8 million social savings – related to reduced crime, lower employment, and increased health and well-being across the state.