College Now extends a huge thank-you to Baldwin Wallace University’s Jacket Philanthropy Program for a recent grant in support of our Mentoring Program’s mental health support project.
The Jacket Philanthropy Program (JPP) at Baldwin Wallace is an academic service-learning program that aims to nurture a new generation of philanthropists through grantmaking and community service. Students enrolled in a Jacket Philanthropy Program course provide direct service to local non-profits and award grant funding to organizations meeting immediate needs within the community.
Three graduate students— Jared Heidecker (a former College Now scholarship recipient/mentee), Helen Sullivan and Ashley Navolanic— selected College Now as their non-profit to engage with through their “Funding and Finance” course.
“I’ve always had an interest in the work the College Now is doing, which prompted me to choose them as my organization for this class,” says Navolanic. “I value the college access work and the support that students receive, and I have seen the impact College Now can have on students through friends and colleagues. This was a great opportunity to learn more about the organization and support a non-profit doing great things in Northeast Ohio.”
The group met over the course of several weeks to complete sections of the grant and collaborate with College Now’s Development staff to receive ongoing feedback. Along with writing the grant, the team had the opportunity to learn more about College Now and read scholarship applications. “I enjoyed reading through the applications because it was a great way to see a different side of College Now and gain insight into the original mission of the organization,” says Sullivan.
After engaging in discussions and a decision-making process with Jacket Philanthropy Program classmates, College Now was selected to receive a $3,000 grant. These funds will support the Mentoring Program’s mental health support initiatives, making a positive difference in the lives of countless students throughout Greater Cleveland.
