The goal of the program, which began in the fall of 2012 with one class as a pilot, is to incorporate learning experiences that encourage charitable giving and civic engagement into a variety of fields of academic study. This spring, for instance, students in a political science class provided service to nonprofit organizations that provide public housing to enable them to get an inside look. The students then gave a presentation about their organizations and the class voted on which would get the award. Other courses in the spring philanthropy program were in sports administration and psychology.
The three organizations awarded the $1,000 grant on April 22 were The Center for Women and Families, Gilda’s Club and New Directions Housing Corporation. The money will be used to further the work of these organizations. To date, six different courses have been involved in the philanthropy program. Students have given over $12,000 to 12 community organizations since the start of the program.
The program is coordinated by Henry Cunningham, director of community engagement. For more information, visit the program’s website here.
