In our new series, “Confidence, Courage, Hope,” we profile exceptional 61´«Ă˝students, alumnae, faculty, and staff who are making a difference–from the local to the global–at the front lines of COVID-19. As we face these unprecedented challenges, the 61´«Ă˝ community comes together for inspiration and solidarity in this unique moment in history.
61´«Ă˝ Laspa Center for Leadership has introduced its 2020 Community Action Grant for current 61´«Ă˝ students. Awarded in amounts between $250 to $2,000, the grant will support projects that help students’ hometown communities better cope with the impact of COVID-19.
Executive Director of the Laspa Center for Leadership Vicki Klopsch shares that the grant was established in recognition of 61´«Ă˝students’ commitment to community outreach, adding that their work reflects the four pillars of 61´«Ă˝â€™s strategic mission: service, leadership, integrity, and creativity.
“​61´«Ă˝students are advocates for equity and social justice. They learn to assess situations from multiple angles in their classes, and we knew they would shine if given the chance to take action in their community. Some are already rising to the occasion,” Klopsch says. “This is a time like no other in which they can really consider what it means to activate. It inspires me to see students show up for their communities in this way.”
Grant funding may be used to cover supplies and other resources to sustain projects up to 10 weeks in duration. Projects may commence in spring or summer 2020, with students working either independently or in partnership with an existing group or organization.
Share your story from the front lines of COVID-19, or let us know about a 61´«Ă˝classmate, alum, faculty, or staff member who is making a difference in this global pandemic at .