About Us

The Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America at Montclair State University actively advances the growing interest in Italian and Italian American fields of study, both among scholars and the public at large.  The mission of the Institute includes both academic components and public outreach, with a specific focus on the historical and contemporary interplay of Italian culture and society with American culture and society.
The Institute works collaboratively with other regional and national organizations in the common cause of promoting an understanding of the important links between the peoples and cultures of Italy and America.

Education
Alone or in partnership with other universities, organizations and individuals, the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America organizes and conducts educational programs for people of all ages and interest levels.  Among these educational initiatives are lectures, conferences, seminars and symposia for groups ranging from school age children to the general public and scholarly audiences.
The Coccia Institute also works with Montclair State's Sprague Library and others to further develop their collections of books, videos, films and other materials relating to Italian and Italian American Studies.  These collections represent an important resource for teachers, students, researchers and others who are interested in exploring Italian culture and heritage.

Outreach
The work of the Coccia Institute extends beyond the Montclair State University campus.  The Institute, for example, stays in touch with a national network of scholars in the field of Italian and Italian American Studies and serves as a conduit for sharing information and resources.
The Institute maintains a list of speakers who can address organizations and school groups.  Chosen for their expertise on topics related to Italian and Italian American culture, they come from the worlds of academia, business, arts, sciences, and beyond.
Building on the foundation of Montclair State's successful partnerships with New Jersey school districts, the Coccia Institute reaches out to teachers to help them enrich their own classroom and school-based activities.
Annual contests and competitions are designed to draw student entries from throughout New Jersey and beyond.
The Institute also welcomes opportunities to act as a resource for Italian American organizations and to explore mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations.

Cultural Programming
The Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America offers cultural programming for the general public that educates as it entertains.  Film festivals, art shows, musical and theatrical performances feature the work of Italian and Italian American artists and are designed to expose the larger community to Italian and Italian American culture.

Research
Significant aspects of Italian and Italian American culture and experience continue to await exploration and interpretation.  There are many ways in which the Coccia Institute may lend assistance to scholars who are adding to that body of knowledge.  Support may be extended, for example, through research grants or by providing space for art exhibits, artifact displays and new collections. Feel free to stop by our offices in Dickson Hall, Suite 171.