ABINGTON, Pa. — Penn State Abington Chancellor Damian J. Fernandez this week awarded $20,000 in inaugural Chancellor’s Grants for efforts such as a program targeting freshman and first-generation students for success in college.
The grants, up to $5,000 each, are funded by the Albert and Suzanne Lord Chancellor Endowment. The six winning plans are:
- The new Jumpstart summer program will offer individualized, flexible tutoring sessions for incoming freshman who will work with highly trained peer tutors. Proposed by Janel Dia, coordinator of tutoring through The Learning Center, and Jaehan Park, coordinator of ESL.
- Abington faculty and student researchers are working on predicting and preventing potential crimes at the new Lion's Gate residence hall. The grant will pay for items such as bike locks and additional signage and lighting. An Abington Township Police Department employee will be trained in a form of crime mapping that incorporates environmental features to help understand and predict crime. Proposed by Oren Gur, assistant professor of criminal justice.
- The Abington library will set up a program to lend museum passes to faculty, staff and students. Proposed by Jennifer Hunter, reference and instruction librarian.
- The purchase of new anatomical models and computer software for BIOL 129 Mammalian Anatomy, a critical science course for nursing and related majors, to help create a better learning experience for students. Proposed by Eric Ingersoll, associate professor of biology.
- A three-pronged initiative for first-generation college students, a significant part of the Abington student population. It will include an alumni mentoring program, increased advising, and monthly workshops. Proposed by Eva Klein, senior administrator for Academic Affairs.
- Increasing faculty and staff participation in Alternative Spring Break, the annual service learning trips, and integrating academics into the programs. Proposed by Tracy Reed, assistant director of Student Life.