Montana State University (MSU) is allocating significant funds for community projects to enhance health care, education, and media opportunities throughout Montana. Since 2015, the university’s engagement grant program has distributed over $328,000, with this year’s allocation amounting to $8,000 for five new initiatives.
These projects address various challenges, such as improving health care access in rural areas and training future school leaders. Kim Obbink, director of academic technology and outreach, notes that over 80% of past projects have secured additional funding and support from the community, indicative of MSU’s commitment as a land-grant institution.
Highlighted initiatives for this year include a vaccine literacy program aimed at countering misinformation in the Gallatin Valley and a project providing accessible cancer resources for young people in rural Montana. Other health-related efforts focus on Alzheimer’s and opioid disorders. Additionally, the grant program supports educational initiatives like a leadership incubator for future principals and a youth media program, Media Mavericks, which allows students to engage with media professionals.
Obbink emphasizes that these partnerships enhance community resilience by fostering collaboration between university students, faculty, and local stakeholders.
