Belltower under cloudy skies.

Diversity Mini-Grants have funded projects ranging from universal design to increasing the presence of women in civil engineering. The program is currently accepting proposals. Kathy Hamilton Gore, Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management and 2014-15 grant co-recipient with Dr. Edwin K. Lindsay, Teaching Assistant Professor, discusses the impact of their grant.

“Receiving an award from the Diversity Mini-Grant Program during the 2014-15 academic year has given us the opportunity to formally initiate the process towards a goal we have discussed for years: How to get underrepresented students interested in our major. OIED’s funding was for Preparing Future Professionals: A Parks and Recreation Strategic Succession Plan for Underrepresented Groups. With the grant, we were able to increase awareness and understanding of our professional field, department and university by engaging with guidance counselors in 34 Triangle area high schools and career center directors at two community colleges to gain access to the desired populations; by interacting with 40 students and some of their parents, on-campus and off-site; and by involving 15 active and retired practitioners from around the state in ongoing mentoring of students. One lasting outcome for 15 students, provided through the grant, was two-year certification in AED/First Aid/CPR, which will greatly improve chances for part-time employment in the field.” To read full reports from this and other grant recipients, see University Diversity Mini-Grant Program Recipients, 2014-15.

Proposals for 2015-16 are due on October 9, 2015. To apply, see University Diversity Mini-Grant Program.