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Women’s Giving Circle Grants
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Start-up funds launch tomorrow's successes
It's great not to be needed. That's right - not to be needed.
One joy of membership in the Women's Giving Circle is seeing new programs get off the ground with grant funds and then gain the momentum to continue without further assistance.
For example, the first Women's Giving Circle grant received by Ellen Momsen, director of Women and Minorities in Engineering, was used to develop an orientation program for incoming female students. It was such a hit that the College of Engineering decided to offer that program to all 800 incoming students.
"We now have a two-day orientation program for first-year men and women, including an ice cream party, music, tours, mentors, faculty introductions, etc.," Ellen reports.
By joining the Women's Giving Circle, you can help today's great ideas become tomorrow's OSU traditions.
2012-13 Grant Recipients
Confronting Physics Anxiety and Promoting Success - $7,650
College advisors report that women students are often cite Physics as a top reason for leaving their engineering major. To increase retention and improve students’ confidence, this project will provide structured study tables for this gateway course, in which small groups of first- and second-year female engineering students will be led by upper division women engineering students. Because these peer leaders will attend the classes, they will be able to address questions in a manner consistent with the way the course is being taught.
Women Returning to Higher Education (WORTHE) - $2,000
Non-traditionally aged women students face many obstacles to academic success, such as financial strain, family obligations, partner violence, and more; they tend to slip between the cracks and lack adequate academic and community support. In response, the OSU Women’s Center has created WORTHE, a comprehensive program that aims to support these women from orientation through graduation. Components include: monthly luncheons on such topics as resume writing or technological changes in the classroom; and a mentoring program that matches non-traditionally aged students with traditionally aged students; and quarterly social events where students can build a sense of community.
Establishing a "Floor" in the Mealbux Program for 2012-13 - $10,000
The Mealbux program, started in 2008 by the Associated Students of Oregon State University, is meant to help students in poverty to make ends meet by providing them with meals on campus. Since the start of the program, OSU’s Human Services Resource Center has granted 4,274 Mealbux awards to students who are in need of a little extra help; the scope of the program is limited, intended only to supplement a student’s food budget, not provide for all meals needed. The Women’s Giving Circle grant will allow the center to establish a “floor” of one meal per eligible student per week.
Chefs in the Garden - $3,500
The Healthy Youth Program at the Linus Pauling Institute is developing a new summer camp program, Chefs in the Garden, for third through fifth grade children. Campers will learn basic gardening skills and how to cook simple, delicious, and nutritious meals with the garden produce. Campers also will get plenty of exercise through fun games, and learn about the environment and the importance of good eating habits.
Student Dietetic Association Cooking Series - $3,463
One of the goals of the Student Dietetic Association (SDA) is to educate OSU students about better health and nutrition. Many students today lack cooking skills, which limits their options for preparing their own healthy meals. This grant will help the SDA host and teach cooking classes for students three times every term in the new, state-of-the-art Milam Hall kitchens.
Alumni Mentorship Coffees - $800
The University Honors College (UHC) funds quarterly Alumni Mentorship Coffees at which UHC alumni speak with current OSU students about their careers. In 2012, three sessions will focus on issues facing women professionals in engineering, health care, and science research, with discussions that explore the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups. Support from the Women’s Giving Circle will allow the events to expand beyond the UHC community and to draw upon alumni from a wider geographical area.
Joan Szymko Commission for world premiere performance - $6,621
The Oregon State University Chamber Choir, Meistersingers (men’s choir), and Bella Voce (women’s choir) have scheduled a joint concert tour to New York in May 2013. This grant will finance the commission of a new choral music piece for Bella Voce to premiere at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Renowned choral composer Joan Szymko will come to campus to work directly with students, sharing her vision and helping them execute the musical nuances integral to the work.
Student Success Center - $25,000
The Student Success Center is on schedule to be completed in late June 2012. The center will house existing and new programs that serve both the general student population and student-athletes, including academic support and counseling services, learning laboratories, and proactive services to help students transition from high school to college-level learning. The new facility is a central part of efforts aimed at increasing student retention and graduation rates. Learn more
Previous Grant Recipients
