Women's Resource Center of Northern Michigan
Final Grant Report for
Fiscal agent if applicant is not tax exempt:
Tax ID Number:
38-2302164
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Kari
VandenBrink
423 Porter Street
Address:
Email:
12313470067
Phone Number:
Website:
Project Name:
Educational scholarships to improve the economic self-sufficiency of women in Emmet and Charlevoix Counties
Project start and end dates:
Thursday, July 1, 2021
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Amount Granted From Hestia:
$
15000
Project results and Impact
How many girls/women have been served by the project during this project year?
Over the past year, WRCNM EES has provided 18 women with Hestia-funded scholarships and supportive services as they move through their educational program and closer to earning a degree and prepare for work in the community. Before the end of the grant period WRCNM anticipates awarding additional monies to support women currently registering for summer semester courses.
Goal of the Project
Did you meet your program goals for the grant period?
If yes, how do you know? Please describe any program evaluation you use:
If no, please describe current barriers and how you are working to overcome them:
Hestia-funded scholarships have provided direct financial support to cover the cost of tuition, textbook, supplies, uniforms, childcare and additional supportive services to women from Charlevoix and Emmet counties who are enrolled in college courses or job training. This critical financial support lessens the burden for students and gives them the opportunity to focus on their schooling and their families. The scholarships help confront barriers to create a path for successful completion of a certificate, degree, or job training.
Students are supported throughout each semester to ensure academic progress, and program evaluations are administered to students quarterly. The following outcomes were achieved during the grant period:
• 100% of evaluation survey respondents reported satisfaction with the WRCNM services they received.
• 6 recipients will graduate in May 2022 while the remaining students will continue on with their coursework.
Do you have a story of how your program positively changed participant's situation, behavior, or knowledge?
If so, please share it:
Positive change happens along every step of the way beginning with the idea of going to school, navigating successfully through the college admissions process, creating a support network, completion of a college course, and then onto next step in the educational plan. As a student moves along this journey it is easy to see the confidence that is building as self-esteem rises and the goal is within reach. This past year has been challenging for us all and for students it has been especially daunting.
As one recipient expresses:
This past year has been difficult, most of us have felt the financial strain caused by the pandemic. As a single mother who is taking care of my daughter and my mother, this hit was hard. I could not work due to school closures for my children and virtual learning for most of the school year. With this scholarship money, I will be able to continue working at my Information Technology internship and go to school without worry of squeezing in another job or two. For that, I am so grateful. This program helps to empower women and with every turn of my education has been there to help.
Sustainability
Will this project continue?
If so, how will it be funded?
If not, why not?
With the generous support of Hestia Women’s Giving Circle this program will continue to provide scholarships and support to women pursuing their education and looking to build a career in the community. In addition to Hestia-funded scholarships for women in Charlevoix and Emmet counties, WRCNM will continue to leverage additional scholarship opportunities to ensure that women have the financial support that they need to pursue their education.
Public Relations
How did you publicize this grant?
Please list any examples.
Published in the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan’s (WRCNM) July/August 2021 print donor newsletter which is direct mailed to more than 1,250 individuals, businesses and organizations. Included in the July 5, 2021, WRCNM staff newsletter disseminated to more than 50 staff members. Posted to the WRCNM’s online blog on June 30, 2021. Included in the August 2021 electronic newsletter sent by email to 1,606 email addresses. Posted to the WRCNM Facebook page on June 30, 2021.
Summary Comments
This program assisted individuals in numerous ways, such as college admissions, financial aid/assistance, academic and GED advising, resume development, job search support, job/interview clothing, resources, referrals and scholarships.
Grant Final Budget Form
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