Phase 2 Initiative

History and Purpose of the LINC Initiative at Penn State

In 1998, Penn State and Cheyney University initiated a partnership that was funded by the Kellogg Foundation for the purpose of developing new leadership models that will allow land grant institutions to respond more effectively to the needs of their constituents. Known as the Leadership for Institutional Change Initiative (LINC), the project featured a national dialog among selected land grant universities about defining flexible and dynamic leadership models for the 21st century, and the creation of Leadership Learning Communities at Penn State and Cheyney. This summer, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation awarded a grant of $264,000
to Penn State and Cheyney University for Phase II of the LINC initiative. Phase II extends from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2003.

Phase II Activity: Mini-Grant Award Program

A significant portion of Phase II activity will be the awarding of mini-grants to diverse teams of campus and community members who are working on projects that address recognized
campus/community issues. Examples of campus/community concerns that might be addressed through collaboration might include alcohol educational partnerships, opportunities for greater town/gown collaboration in efforts similar to the Arts Festival, and K-12 partnerships.

The community as defined in the grant requirements may also extend the borders of the local area. It is anticipated that the mini grant requests will be in the range of $5,000 to $7,000 per
project but there is the possibility that a grant of a maximum of $10,000 will be awarded.

Phase II Activity: Leadership Consortium and Collaborative Leadership Model

A collaborative leadership model will be introduced to award recipients, and mini-grant awardees will be represented on the LINC Leadership Consortium at Penn State. The Leadership Consortium will include representatives from across all on-going leadership
development initiatives at Penn State and Cheyney and their relevant external stakeholders. The Consortium will meet yearly to exchange effective practices and to share learning experiences.

[top]

Time Frame for Year Two of Phase II:

September 19, 2002- Mini-Grant process announced

October 18, 2002 - Proposal review begins

November 1, 2002 - Proposal review ends

June 30, 2003 - Date by which funds must be expended

July 30, 2003 - Project evaluations due

Who Is Eligible?

Groups eligible to submit a mini-grant proposal include diverse teams of campus and community members who are working on projects that address recognized campus/community issues. The LINC project extends the boundaries of the university, and all forms of collaborative team projects that represent the University's internal and external stakeholders will be considered for funding. The community as defined in the grant requirements may also extend the borders of the local area.

For more information on Penn State's involvement with the LINC initiative, contact Penn State LINC project co-convenors Louise Sandmeyer (814-863-8721) or David Day (814-865-3180).

[top]