Central Students Win Grants For Two Youth Serving Organizations In New Britain
NEW BRITAIN -Two New Britain nonprofits won grants from the American Savings Foundation through the efforts of students in a psychology course focusing on roles and responsibilities in philanthropy in the Spring 2023 semester.
Receiving $5,000 grants are The Pathways/Senderos Center and the Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain thanks to grant applications submitted by students on their behalf.
Students in Psychology of Giving and Introduction to Philanthropy (Psych 224) explored the roles and responsibilities of the philanthropic sector. The curriculum covered topics such as fiscal responsibility, grant writing, understanding community needs, and how the nonprofit sector addresses those needs. Representatives from philanthropic, civic, and community organizations addressed the class during the semester to share their expertise.
For their final project, students had to complete a grant application on behalf of a nonprofit serving the New Britain community and present their work to a panel of American Savings Foundation staff and board members. From four proposals, the panel selected two for funding.
“It is very important for our students to realize how philanthropists add to the greater good of the community, says CCSU President Zulma Toro. “It is my sincere hope that as they become graduates from Central, they will give back to their corner of the world and become a part of this vital role in society.”
The Pathways/Senderos Center grant will provide backpacks and school supplies to middle and high school students. Funding will support 60 students as they enter the school year. Each student will receive a backpack, pens, pencils, and notebooks as well as toiletries. A portion of the award will also fund textbooks for college level students.
The Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain (OICNB) will support its new STEMLinx Workforce Pathways for Youth program. This targeted program allows students to explore STEM careers through several activities that encourage career exploration, work experience opportunities, and skill building. With the program entering its second year on July 1, Paulette Fox, executive director at OICNB noted that this award will help to lay the foundation for the next five to 10 years..
Psych 224 was developed by Dr. Richard Judd, CCSU president emeritus, and Dr. Carol Austad, a professor in the Department of Psychological Science. This semester the course was led by Stephen Hard, CCSU instructor. “It was wonderful to see the students grow in their understanding of philanthropy from the diverse angles of those who give the money, the foundations that collect and disburse it, and the organizations in the community whose good work is made possible, said Hard..
Since 2019, the American Savings Foundation has awarded $20,000 to local nonprofits as a result of student-led presentations during the “Psychology of Giving and Introduction to Philanthropy” course.
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