University of Wisconsin - Extension

The University of Wisconsin-Extension Division of Outreach and E-Learning Extension has announced five recipients of Diversity Program Development Initiative (DPDI) funding for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. The DPDI provides funds for Continuing Education units at the UW institutions to develop and implement new diversity ventures that are consistent with the goals and initiatives of UW-Extension's Plan 2008. The 2005-06 DPDI recipients are:

Tribal Leadership Community Development, UW-Superior Center for Continuing Education/Extension

This project will develop a leadership program to build community development skills for Native Americans in northern Wisconsin . The program is a partnership with the Red Cliff Housing and Development organization.

Pre-College Students of Color: Accessing Higher Education , UW-Green Bay Division of Outreach and Extension

UW-Green Bay will work with the Green Bay School District , the Youth Educational Services Program for Oneida , and the College of Menominee Nation to develop a series of activities for youth and agencies that provide services to youth to promote diversity, assess needs, and address issues of higher education for youth of color.

Health Career Exploration for Hmong , UW-Stevens Point Extension

This is an intensive, two-week career exploration in partnership with the UW-Stevens Point Office of Multicultural Affairs and the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board. The Health Career Exploration for Hmong program will provide up to 30 Hmong youth going in to grades 8 and 9 with health career information, providing a combination of career presentations by local professionals and field trips to facilities to generate interest by Hmong youth to prepare for and pursue careers in health related fields.

Native American (Ojibwa) Life Stories as Powerful Tools for Learning , UW-Superior Center for Continuing Education Extension

This project aims to engage Native American youth in school through a project in which they interview and record the life stories and legends of their elders. The project will teach Native American high school students how to interview, video tape and edit the life stories and legends of Ojibwa elders and adults in their communities in a culturally appropriate manner. The students will present their completed projects in a community wide video premiere. LCO Ojibwa Community College is their community partner.

The Apprentice â¿“ Working in the Real World , UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education

Forty Latino/Hispanic teen students will participate in "The Apprentice-Working in the Real World." Though classroom instruction and role playing, the program will teach them interview and job skills and then provide them an opportunity to learn how to prepare for careers academically and compete for internships in the university and local businesses. Milwaukee 's United Community Center and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are community partners.

This is the sixth year the Division of Outreach and E-Learning Extension has made the special funding available. For more information about the DPDI, visit: http://www.uwex.edu/ce/dpdi.cfm .