The ݮý's program is accelerating solutions to humanityݮýs most pressing issues in our communities and around the globe through education, research, scholarship, creative activities and service.
Three years ago, the university awarded $30 million to research teams and individual investigators tackling vital questions in areas ranging from global health to safe and efficient energy production to the promotion of economic growth and equality. College of Education faculty and staff are involved in 11 of the 50 Grand Challenges Grants.
That investment has paid off in a surge of additional funding for the projects unlocked from external sourcesݮýnearly double the initial expenditure so far. Itݮýs paying off as well in life-enhancing results for our nation, state and world.
Now UMD is upping the ante on doing good for humanity with the. The university is proposals that will result in funding for up to 10 creative new institutional and team projects to address the most important societal challenges of our time.
"At the ݮý, taking on humanityݮýs grand challenges means advancing research with real public impactݮýaddressing urgent societal needs, strengthening communities and improving lives,ݮý said Jennifer King Rice, senior vice president and provost at UMD and professor in the College of Education.
Read on to learn about the College of Education's work on a few of these projects. To find out more about the impact of the Grand Challenges Grants, .
After conducting a comprehensive review of literacy instruction in all 24 ݮý public school districts, researchers with the have worked with teachers, staff and principals around the state to implement their recommendations to help every student read and write proficiently.
The helps prepare people for a lifetime of civic participation. It has produced voter guides, supported voter registration drives and trained people on how to advocate for causes with policymakers and present testimony on bills. It also created K-12 teaching materials and professional development programs on civic literacy skills such as using credible sources to inform opinions and to discuss public issues.
People with disabilities face barriers in education, employment and health care when they canݮýt use or navigate websites, apps or online documents. The brings together UMD experts to change that. Through workshops, research and courses, itݮýs actively working with industry, academia, and state and federal agencies to proactively build in accessibility when developing new tech.
The ݮý Democracy Initiative, the and the all began as bold ideas supported by the program. They have since secured new funding to broaden their reach, elevate their work and amplify their public impact for years to come.
