The Tri-College NEW Leadership Development Institute, a women’s leadership program focused on empowering a new generation of women leaders, recently awarded the Patty Johnson Seed Grants to five participants of the 2010 institute. The seed grants, totaling $2,100, are intended to finance the initial stages of their proposed initiatives.  

The recipients’ projects were among those developed by the 51 Institute participants to improve the lives of people in their communities. Recipients use the seed grants as ‘start-up money’ for funding publicity, materials and equipment needed for their individual projects. The five projects awarded in this grant round include:

·       Erica Jepson and Karen Crabtree’s proposal to start a PTO for the Frazee school district called “Parents Team Up: A PTO for Frazee.” The PTO will advocate for students and work with the administration and school board. 

·       Allyson Ishaug and Anna-Alicia Watson’s proposal to work collaboratively to create “Overcoming Sexual Assault Together (OSAT)” at NDSU. OSAT is designed to educate and provide support to students about sexual assault. 

·       Gladys Namuganga’s proposal to organize “Revolving Investments in Grassroots Poultry Farming as a Tool to Reduce Poverty and Unemployment in Uganda.” This initiative is a microloan program that begins with one family starting a poultry farm and future cycles involving new participants. 

·       Deb Bakken’s project, “Rez Resurrection,” is intended to resurrect the past and to move forward by providing education on the historical background and trauma to individuals in Native American communities. 

·       Allana Ruud’s proposal, “Assisting Project Night Light,” supports Project Night Light, which provides blankets, pajamas, etc. to children who need advocacy center services in North Dakota. 

The Tri-College NEW Leadership Development Institute is designed to provide leadership training, inspiration and support for women who do not have extensive leadership experience. The Institute initiated the seed grant program in memory of a past participant, Patty Johnson.  The Patty Johnson Seed Grants are funded through donations by participants and women leaders attending the annual institute.

The 2011 Tri-College NEW Leadership Development Institute is scheduled for June 1-5 at NDSU.