Showcasing the Impact of Newman Fellow Mini Grant Projects

Newman Fellow Mini Grant Collection: Showcasing Diverse and Impactful Work

This collection showcases the diverse projects funded by The Allstate Foundation Newman Impact Grants for Newman Civic Fellows. It highlights the various issues tackled by these student-led initiatives, offering a comprehensive view of their impactful work and the different approaches they use to address pressing community challenges.

Transgender Art Exhibition

Ash Tillman, a recent graduate from Furman University, organized a transgender art exhibition with the help of the Newman Civic mini-grant program. The event aimed to showcase the stories and talents of trans students, overcoming challenges related to communication and time management, and ultimately succeeded in providing valuable visibility and support for the trans community.

Andrew Goodman Democracy Wall Project

Grant Pittz, the 2023-2024 Newman Civic Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, is leading the Andrew Goodman Democracy Wall project, which enhances civic engagement on campus through interactive, student-driven contributions. With support from a Newman mini-grant, he upgraded to a Promethean Active Panel LX, addressing previous challenges and expanding the project’s impact.

Leveraging AI for Community Engagement

Parwinder Singh, a student of Business Analytics and Entrepreneurship at Ohio University, organized the Ohio University AI Symposium on February 28, 2024, to explore the role of AI in community development. Supported by a Newman Civic Fellow grant, the event drew over 1,400 attendees and featured 15 speakers, leading to significant outcomes like the proposed introduction of an AI major and innovative student projects such as AI-driven resume tools.

The Oxford-Lafayette Youth Civics Initiative

Caroline Leonard, a recent graduate from the University of Mississippi, used an Allstate Foundation grant to develop the Oxford LEF Youth Civics Initiative, aimed at enhancing civic education through real-life discussions and interactive experiences.

Be the Change: Uniting Artists and the Community to Artfully Activate the Civic World

Heily Rivas, a Newman Civic Fellow from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, led the "Be the Change" project to use art and design for increasing civic involvement. She brought together artists, organized workshops, and worked on campus improvements, ending with a successful State House visit and community art event

Building Bridges: DataJam Boston

Yunge, a Newman Civic Fellow from the University of Pittsburgh, introduced the Data Jam competition to Boston, aimed at enhancing youth STEM education through hands-on projects. The project involved mentoring high school students, organizing competitions, and creating lasting community connections.

Anti-Drug Spiking Campaign

Rachel Marchant's anti-drug spiking campaign aimed to educate the University of Montana Western community about the dangers of date rape drugs and provided free drink covers to enhance safety. The project successfully distributed over 200 drink covers and raised awareness through educational flyers and campus events.

Coming Home: Incarceration and Its Aftermath

Nina Demilta, a recent graduate of Nazareth University, organized a panel on re-entry challenges after incarceration, featuring four community activists with personal experience in the criminal justice system. The event aimed to raise awareness and foster discussions on criminal justice reform, offering guidance and resources to the Nazareth community.