University of Denver faculty and staff members interested in labor, immigration and economic development issues in Denver have an opportunity to apply for grants of up to $3,000 to provide project assistance for two local organizations.
The Economical Development Project grew out of a series of conversations hosted by DU’s Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL). The conversations identified a list of projects through which DU faculty and students can support economic development initiatives at the Front Range Economic Strategy Center and El Centro Humanitario Para Los Trabajadores while getting relevant community-based learning experience.
The Front Range Economic Strategy Center is a nonprofit that works to maximize the benefits of economic development for communities and working families through research, policy and organization. Project needs include gathering data for a GIS mapping project, marketing support and campaign research (such as tracking land ownership and financial interests).
El Centro works to promote the rights and well-being of day laborers in Denver through education, job skills and leadership development and advocacy. Project opportunities with El Centro include research on the facts of wage theft in Colorado, research on micro-enterprise and best practices in co-ops, grant writing and the organization of an El Centro fundraiser.
“Partnering with these two organizations allows for a mutually beneficial relationship,” says Sarah Couch, CCESL community coordinator. “DU faculty and students gain real-life experience with the issues of economic development and immigration and the organizations benefit from having a committed team working on projects identified by the organization.”
The projects are funded through a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support economic development initiatives in low-income neighborhoods in Denver.
All appointed, adjunct or part-time faculty (including lecturers) and DU staff members may apply. Applications are due by Friday, Dec. 14.