Mount Saint Mary College is now accepting applications for its prestigious Literacy Leader Fellowships for the Fall 2026 – Summer 2028 academic cycle.
This unique opportunity allows graduate students to earn a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) with full tuition coverage and a stipend, while actively serving as program coordinators for a vital community initiative.
For more information or to submit an application, contact Rebecca Norman via email at Rebecca.Norman@msmc.edu. There is no hard deadline, but applications will stop being accepted when the position is filled.
Supported by the Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning (CELL) at Mount Saint Mary College, fellows will spearhead the Saturday Morning Enrichment Program (SMEP) hosted at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. This program offers area children from toddlers through sixth grade dozens of enrichment courses every Saturday, bridging academic development with hands-on, project-based learning.
The Armory is a community-driven space dedicated to changing the lives of children and adults in the City of Newburgh and the Hudson Valley by providing free educational, athletic, and artistic programming.
For aspiring educators, the fellowship offers excellent operational and instructional experience. Graduate student coordinators manage everything from creating bilingual promotional materials to overseeing morning preparations and building deep ties within the local community.
Reflecting on the hands-on value of the role, past fellow Britany Dones emphasized how the position builds crucial professional skills: “We get to work a lot with the parents and a lot of admins, so it gives us those abilities and the skills to be able to handle those situations.”
A cornerstone of the program is its dedication to inclusivity and cultural assets. Fellows ensure the curriculum and community outreach remain fully accessible to the diverse population of the Hudson Valley.
“We take everybody, but we definitely want to cater to the population of Newburgh, many of whom are Spanish-speaking,” explained past fellow Kayla Williams. “We make sure everything's accessible. For any fliers we do, we make sure everything is in English and Spanish. And there's always someone in the building who can help any family out, speaking English or Spanish.”
Williams highlighted the lasting impact the environment leaves on both the coordinators and the children: “It'll definitely help that we’re in this community of English and Spanish speakers. I feel better equipped to go out and teach now.”
Ultimately, she added, the goal is for children to “get that feeling of a community and what it’s like to be a part of a community. Hopefully they know that they're loved, and this is a safe place for them.”
Fellowship requirements and application details:
- Financial Benefits: Full tuition coverage and a stipend.
- Academic Requirement: Acceptance into a Mount Saint Mary College MSEd Education Program.
- Timeline: The fellowship spans from Fall 2026 through Summer 2028. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
Prospective students ready to earn their degree, gain invaluable teaching experience, and make a meaningful difference in the Newburgh community are encouraged to apply.
Mount Saint Mary College is a private, co-educational institution located in Newburgh, NY, known for its strong preparation of future educators and its commitment to community service. The Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning (CELL) works to foster literacy development and educational equity through collaborative community partnerships.