brenda pfaehler professional development grant

Brenda Pfaehler was a mother, teacher and civic activist who held numerous posts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1988, she joined the School of Business and founded the Business Learning Center. She was also the director of UW-Madison's TRIO Program. Her bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees were awarded in education at UW-Madison. 

Brenda Pfaehler served as president of MCLCA (The Midwest College Learning Center Association) from 1981-1982, and she was active in the organization until her untimely death from cancer in 1996. The NCLCA Professional Development Grant was renamed to honor her memory.

Purpose

The purpose of the NCLCA Brenda Pfaehler Professional Grant is to foster the professional growth of our members.  It will be awarded to members of NCLCA to assist in research, leadership, and/or curriculum innovation.

Each year, NCLCA sets aside $1,000 to fund one or more projects.  The exact number of awards depends on the quality of the proposals received.  Those selected as grant recipients will be invited to present the results of their project(s) at the next NCLCA conference.

Deadline for submission of applications June 2, 2008.

Award notification mid-August, 2008.

Application Procedures/Requirements

• Complete a cover sheet with your name, address, e-mail, fax number, and title of proposal.

• Enclose three (3) copies of the Grant Proposal. Do not include identifying information on the Proposal as it will undergo blind review.

• Enclose one copy of your vita or resume, which should include any previous research projects, conference presentations, and/or publications.

• Submit letter of endorsement from University or College Vice-President or Dean.

• Provide all materials to Travis Ramage at the address below by the deadline.

• Recipients will be required to submit a one page follow-up report that outlines how the grant was used. 

Research Project

Develop a one page description of the general area of investigation and the particular focus of the study. Include your rationale for the study. Describe the methods you plan to use and how you will analyze your results. Also include a statement that explains what you think the significance of your research will be.

Leadership Project

Develop a one page explanation of the purpose and general goals of the project. Describe or outline the project. Include materials, equipment, schedules, and major tasks appropriate You might be developing curriculum materials, designing instruction, designing workshops to deliver to faculty or students, or presenting at a national conference. You may also want to include any special training you may want to participate in, e.g., NCLCA Summer Institute, Kellogg Institute, Winter Institute, or on-line courses related to learning assistance.

Funding Needs

In your budget request detail an estimated amount for materials, services, travel, etc., that the grant might help fund. (Note: This grant may be awarded partially of fully depending on the number of applicants and the quality of the proposals.)

Past Award Winners

2003:

Carolyn Griffith, Bradley University: "The Turning Point Retention Program (TPP) and Campus Area Retention Effort (C.A.R.E.) at Bradley University"
 

2004:

Travis Ramage, University of Wisconsin Barron County:  "Identifying and Applying Strengths to Improve Academic Performance of First-Semester High Risk College Students Attending UW-Barron County Using the Strengths Finder Assessment Instrument"
 

2005:

Craig Curty, High Point University (click here for title and summary of project)

2006:

David R. Arendale, University of Minnesota: "Using Emerging Technology to Integrate Learning Strategies Within an Introductory History Course."

Send Grant Proposals To