Grants Hit Record-Setting Level At CSU Stanislaus

California State University, Stanislaus generated a record-setting $15.4 million in grants during the 2003-04 academic year.

Seventy-six new and continuing federal, state, local, and foundation grants accounted for a $6.6 million increase over the University's previous high of $8.8 million awarded in 1999-2000.

Major awards were received for projects designed to preserve endangered species, help transfer students succeed in mathematics and provide trained staff to deal with child welfare issues.

The University's Endangered Species Recovery Program ($6 million), in its 12th year, supports California environmental protection projects and wildlife research programs, including habitat protection solutions for wildlife species considered endangered.

A U.S. Department of Education Title 5 Hispanic Serving Institutions Collaborative Grant ($3 million) teams CSU Stanislaus with Merced College and Modesto Junior College to help transfer students improve their mathematics studies.

The Child Welfare Training Project (separate grants of $1.4 million and $1.3 million) is administered through the University of California. Marking its 10th year, the project provides master's of social work degree training at CSU Stanislaus for graduates who will work in the child welfare system. More than 250 students have graduated from the program.

"The increase in grants has helped the University create opportunities for a diverse number of students who might not otherwise be able to get into the college system," said Suzanne Burns, Director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. "Many of these programs focus on providing access to higher education and helping students have a successful college experience that leads to a degree. The funding helps many of our students to have real-world learning experiences."

A number of the programs are directed at providing educational opportunities for teachers at regional elementary schools and high schools, others help prepare degree recipients for the job market, and some extend into the community to provide a service while allowing students a chance to gain valuable training experience. Students at the K-12 level also benefit from grants through programs like the Central California Mathematics Project and the Great Valley National Writing Project.

On the federal level, significant awards were made by the U.S. Department of Education, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish & Wildlife Service, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, and National Science Foundation. On the state level, the California Department of Forestry, Department of Fish & Game, Department of Parks & Recreation, Department of Development Services, CSU Office of the Chancellor, Department of Education, and University of California awarded large grants. On the local and foundation level, grants of note came from Stanislaus County and San Joaquin County agencies, James Irvine Foundation, Valley Mountain Regional Center, Modesto City Schools, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and United Way.

Contact: Don Hansen, (209) 667-3997