The students participating in the Clark Scholars Program have chosen to donate $25,000 to the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps (HVAC). The A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation has made a historic $21 million towards Stevens, which includes $1 million in the newly established Clark Scholars Philanthropy Challenge. For Stevens, the challenge combines academic development, civic engagement, and leadership in students.
The challenge is designed to raise students’ awareness and experience in charitable contributions to their communities. The initiative builds on a new Service and Philanthropy course that is offered to Clark Scholars. It is taken by first-year students during their spring semester, where they learn about different nonprofit organizations around Hoboken and understand how they give back to the community. Furthermore, students actively participate in volunteering to gain experience with each mission and determine how funds should be distributed. “This challenge provides an opportunity for our students to experience philanthropy as decision-makers,” explained Alida McKee, Director of Special Programs and Administration. “The Clark Foundation recognized that the same spirit of thoughtful investment that guides its own philanthropy could be an important part of the Clark Scholars experience. Through this program, students are learning how to identify community needs, evaluate nonprofit organizations, and make decisions about where their collective resources can have an impact.”
At the end of the Spring 2026 semester, students were able to nominate and present proposals of nonprofit organizations that they believed earned a donation. Alexandra Zaragoza, a 2/4 Biomedical Engineering student, was the Clark Scholar who proposed the organization HVAC. She explained, “For families without insurance, the cost of medical transportation can create a significant financial strain in addition to treatment expenses. Without access to safe and affordable transportation, families risk the lives of loved ones by attempting to transport an injured person themselves.” HVAC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential emergency care without charging patients for more than 50 years. Alexandra emphasizes how the organization responds to more than 7,000 ambulance calls annually, and their medical attention maintains the community’s health without financial burden on residents. Ultimately, 39 students of the program voted and elected Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps as the inaugural recipient.
President Thomas F. Molta expressed gratitude for the award and highlighted that HVAC is incredibly honored. “The generosity of the Clark Scholars will help us continue that tradition and ensure that we have the resources, equipment, and capabilities we need to be there for our neighbors when they need us most,” Molta stated.
The program itself reflects the aspirations of the Clark Foundation, which is to strengthen organizations serving individuals, families, and communities. The Clark Foundation’s investment in Stevens demonstrates that it extends beyond scholarships and education to encourage students to be engaged philanthropists. Zaragoza elaborates, “Community service can take many forms. As Clark Scholars, we have opportunities to find meaningful ways to give back to our community. I encourage everyone to volunteer because not only does your time and effort make a difference, but you also have the opportunity to make someone’s day a little bit better.”
