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UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA SYSTEM AWARDS $618,000 IN GRANTS FOR SERVICE-LEARNING – Dec 1, 2006

Phase One of $1.2 Million “������ο��ƵS Serves” Initiative

List of funded grants (.PDF) / Photos of check presentations
Baton Rouge, La – University of ������ο��Ƶ students will provide free health screenings for rural communities; help middle school students improve math, reading, and writing skills; and restore, document, and promote unique elements of Louisiana’s culture. These are just some examples of the 29 service-learning projects awarded grants totaling $618,291 at today’s ������ο��ƵS Board meeting.

“The caliber of projects being funded is a testament to the leadership of our university presidents and the commitment of their faculty to make service-learning a priority,” said ������ο��Ƶ System President Sally Clausen. “It is a significant step toward our goal for all students to have a meaningful service-learning experience before they graduate.”

Today’s awards are the first phase of a three-year, $1.2 million initiative called “������ο��ƵS Serves” to increase service-learning at the ������ο��Ƶ System’s eight campuses. Funding is made possible by Learn and Serve America, a division of the Corporation for National and Community Service in Washington, D.C.

Each recipient must match grant funds on a one-to-one basis, making the total investment in service-learning over $1 million. Below is a list of the funds awarded:
• Grambling State University: $60,000
• Louisiana Tech University: $53,735
• McNeese State University: $30,000
• Nicholls State University: $81,913
• Northwestern State University: $15,000
• Southeastern Louisiana University: $63,519
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette: $250,194
• University of Louisiana at Monroe: $63,930

Grant recipient and University of Louisiana at Lafayette faculty member Charles Richard’s comments at today’s meeting spoke to the added value of service-learning to classroom work.

“Often the best instruction students gain is from each other. They look at service-learning not only as service but also meaningful, lasting learning,” said Richard, whose project will allow students to promote tourism through the Acadiana Food and Folklore Media Initiative.

“Students who connect to their communities through service become better citizens,” said ������ο��Ƶ System board chair Jimmy Long. “The potential impact of such a wide variety of projects and experiences bodes well for Louisiana’s future.”
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For More Information Contact:
Jackie Tisdell
225-342-6950

Related Files:

List of funded grants (.PDF) (34.6 KB) >>
List of funded grants (.PDF) (34.6 KB) >>