IUPUC’s iEngage civics camp awarded Indiana Humanities grant

by Brooke Hall
May 5, 2023
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IUPUC’s inaugural iEngage civics camp for kids recently received a $3,000 grant from Indiana Humanities, which supports nonprofit organizations that sponsor public humanities programs, in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Stephanie Serriere, Ph.D., IUPUC professor of social studies education, said this funding helps make the free programming even more accessible by providing food and supplies; transportation and wrap-around care are also available (if needed).  

“We’re so happy to bring this nationally-recognized program to Columbus,” Serriere said. “We strongly believe in creating opportunities to engage young people in the democratic process, and that’s exactly what iEngage does.”

This summer’s program at IUPUC is co-directed by Serriere and Elizabeth Osborn, Ph.D., director of education at the Center on Representative Government. It runs from June 26 to 30, for rising fifth-to-ninth graders, and is at capacity with 77 participants, plus a waitlist.

iEngage was awarded one of 10 Action Grants from Indiana Humanities. These awards (up to $3,000) support nonprofit organizations that sponsor public humanities programs such as exhibitions, workshops, lectures and reading and discussion programs. Indiana Humanities also awarded five Historic Preservation Education Grants (up to $3,000, offered in partnership with Indiana Landmarks) to fund public programs that educate Indiana citizens about historic places and properties—and particularly about the need to preserve and protect them. 

“The grants we’ve awarded during the first quarter of 2023 will support new programs and projects that bring Hoosiers together across the state for critical discussions about a wide range of topics,” said George Hanlin, director of grants at Indiana Humanities. “From projects about Black Hoosier History to civic engagement, we’re excited to help bring to life diverse public humanities programs.”

In addition to this grant, IUPUC’s iEngage program is sponsored by the IU Center on Representative Government, the Bill and Norma Perry Memorial Fund, Rick and Alice Johnson, Heritage Fund, IU’s Political and Civic Engagement (PACE) program, Foundation for Youth (FFY), Taylor Bros. Construction, Bartholomew County Democratic Women, and U.S. Congressmen Greg Pence.

To donate to the Columbus iEngage program (monetary or in-kind donation, including meals), visit go.iu.edu/iengagesupport.

To learn more about iEngage, visit go.iu.edu/iengage.