Carlos Hernandez, Chairman, Provident Bank Foundation, signs a check for the $100,000 Signature Grant awarded to Thomas Edison State University while Jane Kurek, Executive Director of The Provident Bank Foundation; Thomas Edison State University President Merodie A. Hancock and Vice President for Public Affairs John Thurber look on.
August 12, 2019 --The Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) has announced Thomas Edison State University (TESU) in Trenton, NJ, as the recipient of the Foundation’s $100,000 Signature Grant for 2019 in the Education funding priority area.
TESU was selected to receive this Signature Grant for its distance-learning curriculum built on community engaged service learning and best practices. A first of its kind, the program promotes experiential learning as TESU’s non-traditional and distance-learning adult students support New Jersey non-profit organizations in the form of 12-week Capstone Projects.
“It is very important to assist educational initiatives that empower adults to attain their career goals and build a strong and competitive local workforce,” said Jane Kurek, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation. “TESU has structured a program to prepare students to lead and create positive change in community-based organizations and develop effective public service partnerships with non-profits.”
Beginning this fall, 100 participating TESU students will engage and work with 15 New Jersey non-profit organizations including The Arc/Morris Chapter, Hope Loves Company, LeaderKid Academy, The Midland School, and VolunteerConnect.
“TESU strives to support our adult learners while meeting the critical needs of many non-profit organizations,” said Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, president, Thomas Edison State University. “We look forward to helping students apply what they have learned in meaningful, real-time ways. This Signature Grant allows for our students to do this while experiencing the power of active citizenship. This grant plants the seed for community impact that keeps growing.”
The Foundation presented the check during a presentation on Tuesday, August 27, at TESU. Attending from The Provident Bank Foundation are Dr. Carlos Hernandez, Chair of Foundation Board & President Emeritus of New Jersey City University and Executive Director Jane Kurek. Accepting the grant on behalf of Thomas Edison State University are Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, President, and John Thurber, Vice President for Public Affairs, Thomas Edison State University.
For more information about PBF, visit www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.
Toni M. Terry, BA