Rutgers–Camden Civic Engagement Programs Receive $2.5 Million from the State of New Jersey

Rutgers University–Camden, a nationally recognized leader in experiential learning opportunities for students, recently celebrated a $2.5 million appropriation from the State of New Jersey to support the expansion of its civic engagement programs.

At two special ceremonies, Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis and Rutgers–Camden students welcomed legislative leadership to campus to celebrate this important commitment by the state.

On Wednesday, October 2, Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis was joined by New Jersey State Sen. Troy Singleton in the university’s Campus Center. Chancellor Tillis thanked Sen. Singleton for his steadfast support of Rutgers–Camden and its mission.

“This university has a long history of encouraging our students to engage with the community because it is understood that education doesn't just happen in the classroom," Chancellor Tillis said. "Theory and practice pollinate when you can go out into the world and use what you have learned, and this additional funding will allow us to further elevate the student experience here at Rutgers–Camden."

Sen. Singleton voiced his support for the Rutgers–Camden and applauded the variety of experiential opportunities it provides to students while also serving the community.

“I am proud to support Rutgers–Camden’s civic engagement initiative with this $2.5 million investment,” Sen. Singleton said. “Through civic engagement, students learn and understand their responsibility to the community and the immeasurable impact they can have as scholars and future leaders.”

On Monday, October 7, Chancellor Tillis welcomed New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald, who was joined by Assemblyman William Spearman, and Assemblyman William F. Moen, Jr., and expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support of Rutgers–Camden.

"I want to thank you for all you have done on behalf of Rutgers-Camden," Chancellor Tillis said. "It is because of your efforts that we are able to garner national and international acclaim for this university and provide unique and meaningful learning experiences for students."

Majority Leader Greenwald shared that his mother, a Camden native, instilled in him the importance of community involvement as a child. While she grew up in a time when women did not have as many opportunities as they do now, she was determined to make a difference. She served in a variety of elected positions, eventually becoming the first woman to serve as a surrogate for the New Jersey Superior Court in 1993.

“This grant represents the hopes and aspirations of this university’s students, as well as the opportunity that exists in Camden and throughout the region because of Rutgers–Camden," Majority Leader Greenwald said. "This grant will allow for greater community engagement so, together, we can create opportunities for generational transformation through tutoring, mentorship, and other kinds of civic outreach. That’s what this grant represents, and I dedicate this to my mom.”

Assemblymen Spearman and Moen echoed the importance of investing in programs that support civic scholarship, recognizing the critical importance of creating opportunities for young people to become involved and have a voice in their communities.