U.P. colleges receive grant money for sexual assault prevention
LANSING — Universities, colleges and community colleges across the state will begin implementing new campus sexual assault prevention strategies using funds from a new $500,000 grant program, First Lady Sue Snyder said.
In an effort to help reduce sexual assault on campuses in Michigan, all public and non-public universities and colleges were encouraged to apply for the Campus Sexual Assault Grant Program (CSAGP) in early August. Each school was given the opportunity to submit two applications. Of the 33 applications received by the Oct. 1 application deadline, 23 will receive a portion of the $500,000 available in funding.
“From Southeast Michigan, Mid-Michigan, the west side and the Upper Peninsula, we received applications from every part of the state, it’s clear our schools are passionate about working together to help solve this sensitive but important issue,” Snyder said. “It’s been exciting to learn how many innovative ideas are out there and I’m looking forward to seeing them become reality. Our campuses are our students’ home away from home, these new initiatives will help ensure our students are safe where they live and learn.”
Gov. Rick Snyder recommended and the Michigan Legislature appropriated the $500,000 used to fund the grant program from the FY 2016 General Fund. The grant awards are the next step in the First Lady’s “Inform. Empower. Prevent. Let’s End Campus Sexual Assault.” initiative.
“In Michigan we have a proven track record of working together to tackle the tough issues and solve problems. This funding is an important step in working to ensure the long-term safety and success of our state’s students,” Gov. Rick Snyder said.
The grant program aims to change the overall culture of sexual assault among the college-age population. More than $1.6 million was requested through the grant application process. Priority was given to projects that fostered collaboration, involved multiple entities working together, focused on new, innovative ideas and encouraged student involvement.
Proposals and initiatives include plans to implement enhanced bystander training programs, place emphasis on student participation, encourage collaboration with local bars and businesses, and create networks aiming to improve access to assault prevention resources.
Universities, colleges and community colleges receiving full or partial funding from the 2015 CSAGP include:
- Albion College ($7,335)
- Aquinas College ($4,637)
- Calvin College ($32,750)
- Central Michigan University ($33,435)
- Davenport University ($15,000)
- Delta College ($28,850)
- Eastern Michigan University ($53,926)
- Ferris State University ($10,000)
- Finlandia University ($15,000)
- Grand Rapids Community College ($7,716)
- Kalamazoo Valley Community College ($13,399)
- Lake Superior State University ($60,000)
- Michigan State University ($12,000)
- Michigan Technological University ($17,746)
- Northern Michigan University ($30,000)
- Northwestern Michigan College ($953)
- Oakland University ($10,550)
- Saginaw Valley State University ($34,321)
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor ($20,003)
- University of Michigan – Dearborn ($38,016)
- University of Michigan – Flint ($29,363)
- Western Michigan University ($25,000)
The CSAGP is a competitive grant program based on eligibility, project description, budget narrative, goals, objectives and performance measure. All applications were reviewed by a selection committee consisting of representatives from the governor’s executive office, the Michigan State Police, and the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment board.
The grant award listing can be accessed at www.michigan.gov/cjgrants.
For additional background, information and videos regarding the “Inform. Empower. Prevent. Let’s End Campus Sexual Assault” initiative, visitwww.
(Information Courtesy of Gov. Rick Snyder’s Office)