The University of Georgia's Rural Engagement Workshop for Academic Faculty has allocated seed grants to faculty members addressing rural challenges in Georgia. These grants, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, will support initiatives in areas such as veterinary practices, telehealth clinics, and early childhood care.
The workshop was initiated in 2021 by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach. It receives backing from the College of Public Health, School of Social Work, and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The program is facilitated by faculty from various UGA entities including the Archway Partnership and Cooperative Extension. It aims to provide academic faculty with essential skills for engaging with rural communities.
Funding is provided by the Office of the Provost. Projects are selected based on their alignment with UGA’s strategic goals: enhancing research, innovation, entrepreneurship; and strengthening community partnerships within Georgia and globally.
Since its inception in 2021, alumni have secured nearly $13.3 million in further funding from projects initiated through this program.
This year's grant recipients include:
- Andrew Kiselica (College of Public Health), collaborating with George Mois, Sarah Grace Dalton, Renato Azevedo.
- Erin Hamel (Mary Frances Early College of Education).
- Elizabeth Pienaar (Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources).
- Meighan Parker (School of Law).
- Georgia Mois (College of Public Health), collaborating with Andrew Kiselica.
- Sarah Grace Dalton (Mary Frances Early College of Education), partnering with Elizabeth Pienaar.
- Lou Tolosa-Casadont (Mary Frances Early College of Education).
- Chuck Geier (College of Family and Consumer Sciences).
- Sarah Schneider (College of Veterinary Medicine).
- Eliza Banu (College of Engineering), partnering with Lou Tolosa-Casadont.