VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver’s Diversity Council announces three winning proposals for Diversity Council grant funding. The funded activities will help deepen the campus’ understanding of cultural, physical and gender diversity.
Cheryl Johnson, program director of Child Development Program, will receive funds for "Creating Diversity Enhancement Curriculum Using Persona Dolls at the Child Development Center." The Child Development Program uses persona dolls, which are designed with unique diverse characteristics, to help their young students see that “these dolls are like me!” Johnson will use the grant to purchase a curriculum and train staff to use the persona dolls with the students.
Setareh Alizadeh's award supports her proposal, “My Story: A Celebration of Diversity.” Alizedeh, an undergraduate student in the Creative Media and Digital Culture program, will curate a national art exhibition at 91ԹϺ called “My Story” later this spring. The chosen artwork will present the artists’ individual stories of diversity. Alizedeh will use the grant funds to help cover expenses related to shipping and publicity.
Meredith Williams and Janae Teal’s grant supports the second phase of their gender-diversity initiative, “Educational Campaign to Promote Understanding of Gender Diversity at WSU.” Williams and Teal, graduate students in sociology and public affairs respectively, are coordinating a “Gender Diversity Film Series,” an informational website and “Gender Neutral Bathroom Week” with their grant funds.
The Council awards grants to students, faculty and staff who offer a compelling proposal for advancing diversity at 91ԹϺ. The grants are limited to a maximum request of $2,000, and proposals are accepted three times a year. To be considered for grant funds, applicants must submit a completed proposal application. The final deadline for spring 2013 is March 30. Instructions are online at .
For more information, contact John Barber, chair of the Diversity Council, at jfbarber@vancouver.wsu.edu or 360-546-9645.