CCSU Students Learn Philanthropy; Two New Britain Nonprofits Receive $5,000 Grants

Two New Britain nonprofits will benefit from the hard work of students enrolled in Central Connecticut State University’s (CCSU) “Psychology of Giving and Introduction to Philanthropy” course (Psych 224).

The Pathways/Senderos Center and the Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain earned $5,000 each based on grant applications submitted by students on their behalf to the American Savings Foundation, which announced the winning proposals last week.

Throughout the Spring 2023 semester, students in Psych 224 explored the roles and responsibilities of the philanthropic sector. The curriculum covered topics such as fiscal responsibility, grant writing, understanding community needs, and how the nonprofit sector addresses those needs.

Representatives from philanthropic, civic, and community organizations addressed the class during the semester to share their expertise. Additionally, students spent time outside of the classroom to engage with local nonprofits and learn about the people they serve.

“It is very important for our students to realize how philanthropists add to the greater good of the community, says CCSU President Zulma Toro. “It is my sincere hope that as they become graduates from Central, they will give back to their corner of the world and become a part of this vital role in society.”

For their final project, students had to complete a grant application on behalf of a nonprofit serving the New Britain community and present their work to a panel of American Savings Foundation staff and board members. From four proposals, the panel selected two for funding.

The Pathways/Senderos Center grant will provide backpacks and school supplies to middle and high school students. Funding will support 60 students as they enter the school year. Each student will receive a backpack, pens, pencils, and notebooks as well as toiletries. A portion of the award will also fund textbooks for college level students.

Executive Director Heather Mills noted, “Students that are not prepared for the first day of school, don’t show up for the first day of school. These supplies are critical in making sure each student feels prepared and ready as they return to school in the fall.”

Mills added that the funding to support their college-age participants remains vitally important to the center, pointing out that “Just because they graduate high school doesn’t mean they are on their own — they still receive our support,” she said.

The Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain (OICNB) will support its new STEMLinx Workforce Pathways for Youth program. This targeted program allows students to explore STEM careers through several activities that encourage career exploration, work experience opportunities, and skill building.

With the program entering its second year on July 1, Paulette Fox, executive director at OICNB noted that this award will help to lay the foundation for the next five to 10 years.  Fox also highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships in serving students successfully.

“There are relationships in New Britain that you can’t find anywhere else — you don’t see duplication of services; you see the enhancement of services,” she said.

Psych 224 was developed by Dr. Richard Judd, CCSU president emeritus, and Dr. Carol Austad, a professor in the Department of Psychological Science. During the semester the course was led by Stephen Hard, CCSU instructor.

 “It was wonderful to see the students grow in their understanding of philanthropy from the diverse angles of those who give the money, the foundations that collect and disburse it, and the organizations in the community whose good work is made possible,” Hard said.  “I don’t think saying the course is life-altering for the students is an overstatement. That the course introduces so many community leaders to our students is enriching for us all.”

Since 2019, the American Savings Foundation has awarded $20,000 to local nonprofits as a result of student-led presentations during the “Psychology of Giving and Introduction to Philanthropy” course.

“In the course’s third offering, the foundation continues to be impressed by the level of professionalism demonstrated by each student as they learn about the philanthropic make up of their community,” said Maria Falvo, president and CEO of American Savings Foundation. “It is our hope that this commitment to the nonprofit sector continues in some way throughout their lives.”

Photo caption:  During a May 10 grant award ceremony at CCSU are (from left) Noreen Cannamela, Jenna Cowan, and Maria Sanchez, all from the American Savings Foundation; CCSU student Scott Rydecki; Heather Mills of the Pathways/Senderos Center; Paulette Fox representing the Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain; CCSU professor Stephen Hard; and CCSU students Jaime Skiba, and Joseph Fountain.