Grant funded projects
A few weeks ago I spoke with Sydney Rogers about the "early days" of grant funded projects at NSCC. Who suddenly decided to begin this dive into the mysterious field of grant funding? What were the funding sources? And how were any funds obtained utilized? This was her response.
"The very first grant was a federal grant administered through the state for K-12 teacher professional development. Pam Munz and I wrote that first grant together, although I have to give most of the credit to Pam since she really polished what I did. We got that one for about $40K and then another one the next year. We taught math teachers how to use computers. That was in the 80's."
The idea of teaching math teachers how to use computers may seem archaic now but in the not too distant past that need for teaching was an important area in professional development.
Those types of professional and practical needs are still being funded through the grant process today. From the very logical application of dollars for laboratory equipment for chemistry classes that NSCC received in 2004 to the provision of training programs for technology education through the funding for the Center for Technology Education, grant monies are a vital part of Nashville State Community Collage. These monies have not only served to strengthened the college and the overall teaching and learning experience, they have helped to open doors and establish new relationships in business and educational sectors across the nation, positively promoting our college in the process.
For instance, just a few years ago Synergy 2004, a National Science Foundation grant funded project, brought together business and educational leaders and showcased Nashville State Community College as school with the creative vision and community support to develop, organize, and host a conference in Nashville that was nothing less than brilliant. At first, Synergy 2004 was simply a concept, which led to a discussion, then a grant proposal, and ultimately a funded national conference that inspired and informed all those who attended. And the professional echoes from Synergy 2004 are still being heard today.
That commitment to obtaining new funding through the grant process continues as CITE collaborates with universities and IT Centers across the nation to make the latest educational resources in technological education and programming available and The CASE Files project works to create materials for professional educational development with dissemination at the national level.
These continuing efforts continue to establish Nashville State Community College as a great community college possessing national merit with a dedicated vision for the future.