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 will present the check during a presentation on Tuesday, August 27, at 11 a.m. 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.

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About The Provident Bank Foundation

The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 by Provident Bank to enhance the quality of life in the region through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $25 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities. For more information, visit http://www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.

About Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University provides distinctive undergraduate and graduate education for self-directed adults through flexible, high-quality collegiate learning and assessment opportunities. One of New Jersey’s senior public institutions of higher education, the University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Students earn degrees through a wide variety of rigorous and high-quality academic methods that can be customized to meet their individual needs. Identified by The New York Times as “the college that paved the way for flexibility,” The University is a national leader in the assessment of adult learning and a pioneer in the use of educational technologies. The University is home to The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy and the New Jersey State Library is an affiliate. To learn more, visit www.tesu.edu or email admissions@tesu.edu.