EDU 316 Racism and Sexism in Ed. Institutions

As future educators and community changemakers, an understanding of philanthropy and the role it plays in strengthening the northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. Philanthropy is not just financial support but includes a dedication of time and talent in support of nonprofit organizations in the community.

Our EDU 316 course focuses on diversity issues in education and support of students from diverse backgrounds. For our Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project, we researched local nonprofits with a focus on educational issues and impact on K-12 students.

Students created profiles of local nonprofits and shared them with the class. From the original list of organizations, students worked collaboratively to select Learning Grove to receive the award. We would like to thank the Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement for making this enriched learning experience possible.

H. Wes Adams:  After being given the opportunity to grant a large sum of money to a nonprofit and having to critically think about what they could strategically use those funds, I have a different perspective on these organizations.

I know that even though these people running these organizations probably face more than their fair share of difficulties in running them, what they are doing is extremely worthwhile to them and the people they serve.

Cameron Wells: This semester has taught me a lot about myself and about education. Through this course I have learned about the methods and beliefs of education, and what kind of educator I want to be. I have learned what kind of learning styles I would like to use, methods of engaging the students in the material, family dynamics and interacting with parents/guardians, and much more.

I have really been exposed to the complex nature of teaching, from race and socioeconomic factors, to styles of teaching and organizing a classroom.

Through the Mayerson project, I have also learned about so many nonprofits in our region, and how they play a key role in the lives of so many people. I have learned that often schools cannot provide everything that students need, and nonprofits can play a big role in filling the gaps.

Hopefully, in the future there is more collaboration between nonprofits and schools to give every student the opportunity to succeed, from kindergarten to high school and beyond. This experience has influenced me to want to be more involved in nonprofit work and to do it while teaching, and to try to bring more nonprofit influence into the school.

Learning Grove (formerly Children, Inc.)  is a highly rated nonprofit provider in child care, family support, and school age services in Greater Cincinnati.  It’s services span prenatally through college and career.  Our multi-generational approach to fighting poverty our community as well as our work in advocacy, training, and research builds a strong foundation for success for over 3,000 children and families in our region every year.

Vision Statement: All families and children have what they need to do well and be well.

Mission Statement: We provide innovative programs to grow knowledge, skills, and strengths that allow families, children, and communities to flourish.

Professor Code: Flexibility was at the heart of our course this semester. Our class was already an online course with mostly asynchronous instruction. With the onset of COVID 19, students in the course were faced with issues such as moving from campus to home, changes in childcare, increased work hours, and the challenge of social distancing and isolation. These challenges also allowed for creativity, development of time management, and development of coping strategies.

Caitlin Jacobs, student: I think coping with the situation as a whole has helped me cope. I had to realize that this is what is best for everyone at NKU and our world, so I had to make the best with it and realize staying home is the best thing everyone can do.