An Interview with Dianne Callister: Project Give

Michael F. Shaughnessy - August 26, 2009
Senior Columnist EducationNews.org
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico   

1. Dianne, I understand that you are running some kind of grant.  Could you give us some of the specifics?

Our program, Project:GIVE is tied in with a grant that comes with specific directives.  Middle school students are granted money along with supplies that educate the students  on  how to find the issues and problems in their communities.  They form a ‘mini-foundation’ with officers and skill training that includes voting, research and decision making all pointed towards solving the problems they discover.  The ideas and service activities that they have voted on are then funded by their project:GIVE grant funds.

2. How did you first get involved with this?

As president of The Singer Foundation, I am very familiar with funding programs that improve education and opportunities for children.  In our research we found that there was a void of programs that help to address the challenges facing the 11-14 year old age group.  Middle school is a very tumultuous time and with all the information regarding the problems they face, there is still a lack of focus on this critical age group.  We aim to begin a positive change with this program and help give purpose to some at-risk students who would have fallen through the cracks by high school.

3. Why entrepreneurship or social change?  How did this come about?

Habits learned at this age stick with kids.  If they can experience the positive feelings that come from service in middle school, then they will seek lifelong service as a positive alternative to challenges they face.  One person can make a positive difference in the community and that Is the message we want youth at this age to grasp.

4. Are all states eligible for this?  How does one go about applying?

 We’re working on ways to bring the program to all 50 states, but for now we’re working with a limited amount of schools to really refine the model and eventually gain program partners that will help ease expansion.  We have a grant application that will be on our website at www.project-give.org in the very near future.

5. Is a faculty sponsor needed?

Each school is responsible for deciding how they will implement the project at their own facility.  Adult supervisors are facilitators and overseers, but they are there as resources and ensure that the project remains student driven.  Some schools have done the project as a leadership activity or enhancement to a GATE program, while others have run it as a school wide activity.

6. Is there a final report needed?

There is ongoing communications with the school advisors.  They include updates of the projects, photos, and a final analysis at the close of the project.

7. What is the time frame?  How much money can groups or schools or teachers request?

We do not impose a time frame, simply that they use the funds within that school year.  Some use the funds divided up throughout the year, while others run the program in a trimester/semester class.  We provide grants up to $5,000 as well as folders, stickers, pens and t-shirts for the students to encourage teamwork.

8. What have I neglected to ask?

While this is a relatively new program the results have been overwhelmingly positive.  Students who participated in Project:GIVE listed the program as one of the best things they did in middle school – often surprising school administrators.

Measurable outcomes from the programs final surveys are now being studied and compiled by professors at BYU.