University of Wisconsin - Extension

The Division of Continuing Education Extension has announced the five recipients of Diversity Program Development Initiative (DPDI) funding for the 2001-2002 fiscal year. The DPDI provides funds for UW institutions to develop and implement new diversity ventures that are consistent with the goals and initiatives of UW-Extension's Plan 2008.

"The University of Wisconsin-Extension is committed to being an inclusive organization that seeks and promotes diversity in our workforce, program participants, clientele, customers, educational partners and program content," said Mary Crave, Evaluation and Diversity Specialist for Continuing Education Extension and chair of the review committee. "Working in partnership with the UW institutions, the Continuing Education Extension Division has a major role to play in helping UW-Extension to achieve its goals under the UW-Extension Plan 2008."

The 2001-2002 DPDI funding recipients are:

? Understanding Hispanics in the Workplace - UW-Sheboygan Office of Continuing Education

Sheboygan County employers and employees will benefit from this program aimed at

enhancing the work environment and relationships between employers, co-workers and their Hispanic workers. The UW college will partner with the Literacy Council of Sheboygan County and area employees to hold a series of seminars to discuss values, learn some business Spanish and communication strategies, and network about multi-culturalism in the workplace.

? Hmong History Course - UW-Stout, Stout Solutions

To help school districts foster an environment of racial understanding and ethnic diversity, Stout Solutions will develop a Hmong history course for K-12 teachers. The course will eventually be offered statewide via distance education, providing learning experiences not only for teachers, but also for students and adults of Hmong ancestry. This will be the first UW System course that includes an in-depth historical view of the Hmong people. The Menomonie Area School District and Hmong American Community Association, Inc. in Menomonie are partners in this project.

? Pre-College Jazz Course Visiting Chair - UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education

Though jazz music has been taught at the Indianhead Arts & Education Center for more than 30 years, few African-American teens have the resources or opportunity to take part. This program will bring a jazz instructor and eight students of color from Milwaukee High School of the Arts to Indianhead for immersion in a one-week summer course/clinic. These students will benefit from nationally renowned instruction while fostering cultural exchange with white students.

? EXPLORE - UW-Stevens Point Extension

The EXPLORE program will address the educational and career development needs of the migrant Hispanic population in rural east-central Wisconsin. The program includes enrichment programs, tutoring, and English instruction for youth in grades 5-10. Adults will receive career development consulting. The program is in partnership with United Migrant Opportunity Services, Inc. and UW-Stevens Point Office of Multicultural Affairs.

? Centro Hispano Professional Development - UW-Madison, Division of Continuing Studies

Centro Hispano provides direct services to Dane County Hispanic families. This program will teach strategic planning and project management to the agency's human services specialists and board members to increase their ability to meet the growing demands of the organization.

To qualify for consideration for DPDI funds, the UW institution applicants are required to team up with a community partner with credibility in the target community and identify the anticipated outcomes and impacts of the program. According to Crave, the Continuing Education Extension Dean's Office will make about $50,000 in DPDI funds available annually. Awards are for a maximum of $5,000 each.

For more information about the DPDI, visit the Continuing Education Extension home page at www.uwex.edu/ce/main and click on the DPDI link.

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