Franklin College received a $50,000 grant from the Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Foundation to continue the Branigin Engaged Learning Program.
This program builds opportunities for entrepreneurial programming and supports a new focus on department-specific outreach activities to Hoosier high school students.
The Branigin Foundation first provided a grant of $100,000 to establish the Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Engaged Learning Program at the college in 2016. The funding allowed the college to expand its distinctive engaged learning opportunities for students, according to a press release on the grant.
Franklin College prioritizes active, engaged learning experiences at the core of the curriculum. The Branigin Engaged Learning Program helps the college provide unique experiential opportunities in many areas, including undergraduate research and professional development, the release says.
“This funding will create chances for our students to engage in hands-on research projects with faculty and gain valuable professional development, equipping them for impactful careers and meaningful lives,” Kristin Flora, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college said in a statement. “It will also allow our faculty to expand their critical role in the student recruitment process in a more creative and meaningful way, with concerted efforts to introduce Johnson County high school students to the many opportunities available to them at Franklin College.”
President Kerry Prather expressed gratitude for the enduring relationship between the college and the foundation.
“The Branigin Foundation has been a steadfast and enthusiastic partner over many years. The foundation’s ongoing support facilitates a range of uniquely impactful experiences for our students,” he said in a statement.
