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.
Table of context
Arts for Community Impact
- Aaliyah Moore
Bates College - Ash Tillman
Furman University - Heily Rivas
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Student Accessibility and Basic Needs
- Abigail Faris
University of Nebraska at Omaha - Cherin Russell
University of Kansas - Jai Kozar-Lewis
Michigan State University
Civic and Democratic Engagement
- Alex EdgarUniversity of California-Berkeley
- Caroline LeonardUniversity of Mississippi
- Dasia BandyGeorge Washington University
- Grant PittsUniversity of Wisconsin-Parkside
- James HardyUniversity of Dayton
Hunger, Homelessness, and Clothing
-
Angelynn JimenezCity Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College
- Halle GenslerBerea College
- Harry Hou
Swarthmore College - Kelly Pilotte
NHTI-Concord's Community College - Louis Fowler
Great Bay Community College - Paola Perez
California State University-Northridge
Educational Access and Success for
Under-Represented Groups
- Adalheid (Heidi) Crum
West Virginia University - Jiseon (Alice) ImBrown University
- Jordan Branch
Millersville University of Pennsylvania - Karla Mercado Dorado
Marymount University
Healthcare
- Cuca Ramirez MirandaThe University of the South
- Kayla Walker
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Activism
Community Outreach and Education
- Jessika Crockett-Murphy
Stonehill College - Mikayla Paquette
Tufts University - Nina DeMilta
Nazareth College - Rachel Marchant
The University of Montana-Western
Technology and Data Science
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.
Thank you to The Allstate Foundation!
A heartfelt thank you to The Allstate Foundation for making the Newman Mini-Grant Program possible!