Center for Latino Heritage and Spanish Language Excellence (CLaSE)
The Center for Latino Heritage and Spanish Language Excellence (CLaSE) is the first academic center in New Jersey dedicated to supporting Latino, Hispanic, and Spanish-speaking communities.
- clase@montclair.edu
- Schmitt Hall
About CLaSE
The Center for Latino Heritage and Spanish Language Excellence (CLaSE) is the first academic center in New Jersey dedicated to supporting Latino, Hispanic, and Spanish-speaking communities. CLaSE aims to enhance academic success and promote multicultural awareness through services such as a Spanish Writing Center, Certificates in Spanish for various career paths, and initiatives like the Oral History Program and the Latin American Indigenous Collaborative. This center is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values bilingualism and cultural diversity, while building strong partnerships with indigenous communities in the region.
Mission
Our mission is twofold: to support the academic and personal growth of native, heritage, and non-native Spanish speakers in our university and to collaborate with Latin American indigenous communities in New Jersey and New York. Students will find opportunities to excel academically, professionally, and personally through a combination of tailored support, mentorship programs, and cultural activities. As the first university in New Jersey to establish an academic center of this nature, we are committed to providing innovative educational initiatives that promote dialogue, multicultural awareness and global competencies as well as celebrate our diverse cultural heritage.
Our Initiatives
CLaSE is specifically dedicated to fostering cultural and linguistic appreciation, with a focus on Spanish language excellence and heritage. Embracing the Spanish language as an asset, the center was founded to offer resources, tools, opportunities, and initiatives for all Montclair students, faculty, staff, administrators as well as off-campus collaborators.
Spanish Writing Center
The Center is committed to supporting students, faculty, admins and other users in their journey to improve their Spanish writing skills.
Oral History for the Latino Community
Our mission is to preserve the stories, memories, and experiences of Latinos in the New Jersey area as part of a rich and dynamic archive of oral histories that can be used to educate, inspire, and connect people across generations and communities.
Latin American Indigenous Collaborative (LAIC)
LAIC is the first initiative in New Jersey dedicated to the indigenous communities from Latin America that reside in the tri-state area. Some of the endeavors of this collaborative include an oral history digital archive; a physical space where different indigenous groups can meet; and events with indigenous writers and poets to share their culture and traditions with our Montclair community. LAIC also aims to create reciprocal learning programs where indigenous/Spanish language classes can be offered to those interested.
Certificates in Spanish for Careers
In today’s multilingual society, the ability to communicate across languages and cultures is a powerful professional asset. These certificate helps students build career-ready language skills, cultural competence, and confidence while making a meaningful impact in Spanish-speaking communities.
Graduate Certificate in Spanish for Health Professionals
The Graduate Certificate in Spanish for Health Professionals equips bilingual students with the language and cultural skills needed to thrive in healthcare settings. Aligned with Montclair’s mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, this program helps prepare students to serve diverse communities with confidence and care. The certificate is offered fully online or in person and is open to Montclair students as well as non-degree-seeking learners from outside the university.
Undergraduate Certificates in Spanish
Launching in Fall 2026, the Undergraduate certificates in Spanish for Business, Spanish for Health, and Spanish for Justice Studies will provide bilingual students with focused, career-relevant pathways to apply their language skills in professional contexts. Through practical coursework and real-world communication skills, students will learn how to use Spanish effectively in professional settings.
This is a 12-credit program: 9 credits in course work and 3 credits in an internship with local partners organization or partners abroad. Students can complete these credits alongside their major and it offers an excellent opportunity to expand career opportunities by serving the Spanish speaking communities.
In the News
Upcoming Events
PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies Green Teams Final Presentations
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- Conference Center at Montclair State University or virtually via a Zoom webinar
Our Staff
Antonella Calarota-Ninman
- Director, Center for Latine and Spanish Academic Success and Excellence (CLASE)
Madison Kranis
- Program Coordinator
Student Team Members
- Ivan Podobed – Writing Center Assistant
- Irma Sánchez – Spanish Writing Center, Online Workshops Instructor
- Victoria Sosa – Digital and Social Media specialist
- Lorena Tacle – Writing Center Assistant
- Crystal Tejada-Breton – HOLA Fellow
- Micaela Pesantez Rodriguez – HOLA Fellow
Contact Us
Latino Heritage and Spanish Language Excellence Center (CLaSE)
The Center for Latino Heritage and Spanish Language Excellence (CLaSE) is the first academic center in New Jersey dedicated to supporting Latino, Hispanic, and Spanish-speaking communities.
- clase@montclair.edu
- Schmitt Hall