University of Wisconsin - Extension

The Division of Continuing Education Extension has announced five recipients of Diversity Program Development Initiative (DPDI) funding for the 2002-2003 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. Recipients are required to work with a community partner with credibility in the target community.

¿A strong partnership between the UW institutions and community agencies is an important criterion in selecting grant recipients,¿ said Mary Crave, Evaluation and Diversity Specialist for Continuing Education Extension and administrator of the grants. ¿Our evaluations tell us that partnerships like the ones developed through the DPDI are a key to successfully engaging traditionally underserved students in continuing education programs.¿

The 2002-2003 DPDI recipients are:

Technology Education for Hispanic Workers ¿ UW-Washington County Office of Continuing Education

UW Washington County will partner with the West Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation and the Hispanic Outreach Core Committee of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Jackson to develop and teach a series of eight-week courses. Hispanic residents in Washington County will learn job-specific English, workplace, and computer skills to improve employability.

American Indian Cultural Issues Symposium ¿ UW-Superior Center for Continuing Education/Extension

In partnership with the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College and the First Nations Center of UW-Superior, this program will develop a symposium on diversity issues, with emphasis on Native American culture. The symposium will bring together educators, students, members of six tribes, and other human service providers, to identify issues important to Native Americans and design programs that follow best practices in diversity education.

Realizing the Dream ¿ UW-Madison, Continuing Studies, Adult Career and Educational Counseling Center

Realizing the Dream: Involving Parents in Their Children¿s Career and Education Planning will teach parents of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County participants ways to become involved in their children¿s career development. During the 3-week sessions, parents will also be able to do their own career planning and exploration ¿ developing better career and educational decision-making skills in both children and adults.

Milwaukee Latino Workers Labor and Employment Law Study Circle ¿ UW-Extension School for Workers

Monthly study circle meetings and resource materials will educate Latina/o workers on labor and employment laws and regulations¿ all in Spanish. The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, Milwaukee will co-sponsor the study circles.

Young Leaders in a Diverse World Youth Summit ¿ UW-Parkside, Center for Community Partnerships

This 10-day camp will promote diversity among 7-10th grade youth from the Racine and Kenosha area, fostering skills necessary to provide leadership in their neighborhoods, schools, and communities. Youth Summit participants will learn about diversity, leadership, team building, educational and volunteer opportunities and develop personal action plans. Community Impact Program, Inc. is their partner.

According to Crave, this is the third year the Division of Continuing Education Extension has made the special funding available. Awards are for a maximum of $7,500 each. Because UW¿Extension is committed to providing programs and services with a positive impact on clientele, services and communities, applicants must also demonstrate the impact of their proposed projects.

For more information about the DPDI: http://www.uwex.edu/ce/main.