Game-Based Learning and Collaboration in Homebuyer Education

Amanda Smoot
Alumni: Department of Housing, Design, and Apparel

Karen Duggleby
Alumni: School of Social Work

Marilyn Bruin
Faculty: College of Design

This collaborative group will create a game-based learning module to be used in a pilot of homebuyer education for emerging markets. Project goals include measuring the effectiveness of the game-based learning tools in homebuyer education and to increase funding for initiatives with partner organizations.

Fundraising for Graduate Research Scholarships in Food Science and Nutrition

Lori Engstrom
Staff: Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Coordinator of Internal and External Relations

Graduates of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FScN) meet critical workforce needs and advance basic and applied research in the food and health industries, government, and academia. The teaching and research benefits of productive graduate students extend the teaching capability of faculty, thereby allowing more time to conduct research, as well as directly contributing to the research effort. Funding graduate students is a key factor in the retention of top faculty. Furthermore, graduate scholarships not only ease the financial burden but also provide a multitude of benefits for students and for their donors. The scope of this project is to coordinate a fund raising campaign toward the goal of $1 million dollars.

Strengthening the Dr. Joanne Bubolz Eicher Endowment Fund

Barbara Heinemann
PhD Candidate: College of Design

This project aims to both increase funds for the Dr. Joanne Bubolz Eicher Endowment Fund, and to increase awareness of the importance of a global cultural perspective in the design and retail curriculum. In addition to building an understanding of philanthropy and fundraising, the recipient will plan a plenary session involving Dr. Eicher's former graduate students and current students.

Implementation of Youth Development Program

Lisa Kimball
Staff: School of Social Work, Youth Studies Research Assistant
Graduate Student: Community Faculty PhD Candidate in College of Education and Human Development

A comprehensive effort targeted at youth at risk of involvement in street gangs, this project aims to support the implementation of Take Back League, a late-night basketball league and life-skills development program. Implementation elements include collaborations with local agencies, institutions, and congregations as sponsors, specifically a collaboration between South Minneapolis and North Minneapolis congregations.

Expanding the Mission of the Goldstein Museum of Design

Lin Nelson-Mayson
Staff: Director of the Goldstein Museum, College of Design

In applying the skills and knowledge gained through the Buckman Fellowship experience, this project aims to develop a comprehensive plan to raise funds for enhanced programs and facilities, and develop a resource plan for increased community collaborations.

Enhancing Sustainability for Youth Mentoring Programs

Polly Roach
Alumni: School of Social Work

The proposed project facilitated through the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota includes four primary components: leadership capacity development; creation of technical assistance tools and resources; documentation of the challenges to program sustainability; and dissemination of findings to relevant stakeholders.

Capacity Building -- The Washington Foundation

Rosalyn Washington
Graduate student: School of Social Work

In continuation of the work of The Washington Foundation, components of this project include supporting individuals during incarceration and assisting with the transition back into society, building the capacity of the foundation in collaboration with other community service organizations, and development of a residential education center.

Entrepreneurial Innovation in Social Services Delivery

Joshua Brewster
Alumni: School of Social Work

This project aims to examine examples of organizations that are using entrepreneurial principles of innovation and looking at niche needs to fill gaps in current social services, particularly the provision of mental health services. The end result of the project will be the compilation of information and creation of a "Social Entrepreneurship Guide for Social Workers."