UNCF Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) formed a new partnership to coordinate mutual engagement on job opportunities, preparedness, response and recovery. The signing ceremony was held in FEMA’s state-of-the-art National Response Coordination Center.
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and UNCFSP Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Hester sign a Memorandum of Agreement
“The signed agreement with FEMA ensures that future opportunities in emergency management and disaster preparedness are available to HBCUs and their surrounding communities,” said UNCFSP Interim President and CEO Michael J. Hester. The possibilities for HBCUs to be involved in the work that FEMA does are endless. During the signing ceremony, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate made it clear that he wanted to engage the whole community in disaster preparedness and the best of the best. Using various sports analogies, which are his favorite, Fugate mentioned that likened himself to a coach recruiting star players amongst the HBCU community.
“A key to having a more resilient nation is inspiring a new generation of top-notch emergency managers and UNCFSP is leading this charge,” said Fugate. “This agreement builds on FEMA’s existing successful partnership with this organization and the institutions it serves. We look forward to working together so that every community is engaged in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.”
The new agreement between the organizations seeks to facilitate greater knowledge, individual participation and career opportunities in emergency management.
For more information read the Press Release; Blog; and view Photos.
This summer, 11 Institute for International Public Policy Fellows took over the UNCF Special Programs (UNCFSP) Corporation headquarters. As the inaugural members of UNCFSP’s Global Entrepreneurship Initiative, every week the Fellows, or interns as we affectionately called them, took fieldtrips to relevant organizations or received a visit from a notable professional in their field. Below, M.J. Crawford details their experience with invited guest Jim Bender, who is currently a Senior Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton.
Global Entrepreneurship Initiative Interns with Jim Bender, Senior Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton
Currently a Senior Associate with the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, Jim Bender revealed to us that it was not an easy path to get where he was. Like many of the students he has spoken to, Mr. Bender also struggled with discovering what he wanted to do after college.
He likens his experience with the Peace Corps as an important decision to undertake work in international development. Immediately following his time in the Peace Corps, he struggled to find work and was unemployed for a period of time and eventually took a job with Starbucks. Although his Master’s degree was in theatre, he loved international work and later decided to pursue another Master’s degree in health where he found his passion. Mr. Bender helped us to see that it is never too late to realize what you want to do in life and to pursue it.
It was inspiring to see how he was able to persevere through the period of his life where he was looking for a job. It is something that many of the members in our group can currently relate to. Overall, Mr. Bender’s message was to understand the importance of taking time to work in jobs or areas that may be outside of our desired career path, but will ultimately enable us to gain more life experiences and skills that can always be used in the future, no matter where we end up.
Global Entrepreneurship Initiative Intern,
M.J. Crawford
UNCF Special Programs Corporation supports students from across the country to make meaningful contributions around the globe and in their communities. Maddie Jackson, who is a Presidential Scholar from Saint Augustine’s College shares some insight with us on her passion for equality.
The thoughts expressed in this blog do not in any way, shape or form, implied or otherwise, represent those of UNCF Special Programs Corporation.
- Maddie Jackson, Presidential Scholar from Saint Augustine’s College
Have you ever walked into your local grocery store or mall, and noticed that the employees represented different ethnicities or genders? If not, have you ever wondered why? An important part of having any successful business is to have a strong, diverse workforce that can devise successful solutions. Some businesses around the world fail to realize the power of diversity- and it is our job to make them aware of it. Diversity can create better work groups, schools, and communities. Everyone does not agree with this fact, though. UNCFSP does and I found that out when their “Your Opportunity Starts Here” Tour made a stop on my campus.
UNCFSP is part of the push toward equality and the true meaning of diversity. The International Labour Organization (ILO) released an article stating that women are still getting low-paying jobs. Statistics show the higher the post, the less likely a woman—even one as qualified as her male colleague (or even more qualified)—is to get it. So when will it stop? When will the people in power recognize that women have true potential and can be an asset to any company? That is a part of UNCFSP’s mission; to help everyone, including women, accomplish their goals.
I developed a passion for women’s empowerment while serving as “Miss Black and Gold,” an esteemed recognition from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., on my college campus. After extensive research, I have discovered that women are treated differently in societies around the world, and not just where I live. When I met some of the UNCFSP staff, I learned a lot when a representative spoke to us about the opportunities available for international awareness and study abroad. UNCFSP ensures that no one, whether male or female, misses an opportunity.
The goal of UNCFSP is to, “provide Minority Institutions (MIs) with capacity-building opportunities; the government and private industry with access to a talented and diverse workforce; and individuals with the experience, exposure, mentoring, and development they need to have successful and empowered careers,” aligns with my own philosophy and passion. This goal can inspire others to put powerful minds together and develop great solutions and accomplishments.
I want to address issues concerning women in the workplace and that involves the levels of social, political, and economic ills that plague our nation and global society. Mrs. Anna Čurdová, Czech Republic Socialist Group member, states in a Parliamentary Assembly article that in Spain, the unemployment rate for men is 7.5 percent and nearly doubles for women at a whopping 14.3 percent. That is a significant difference between genders.
An ILO Director-General, Juan Somavia, stated that, “by promoting decent work for women, we are empowering societies and advancing the cause of economic and social development for all.”
Women are routinely passed over when it comes to promotions, but its time for them to be able to sit on both sides of the interview table. I’m interested in helping women break the “glass ceiling” stereotype.
Ever since I have been aware of UNCFSP and their work, I have been astounded by the changes that they have attempted to make, and how they share valuable information with students like me. I now know that it is not enough to just be nationally aware, but I must be globally aware.
As I noted earlier, if your local businesses aren’t diverse and you notice the employees all look and act the same, it’s up to you to CHANGE IT! Get involved with UNCFSP! Learn about the disparities our global society faces and, whether you are female or male, get the kind of training you need to prepare yourself to successfully participate in the world. Being involved with UNCFSP will push you to become your best self and serve as a catalyst in your community. Be inspired by UNCFSP—then inspire others.
Maddie Jackson
Saint Augustine’s College
UNCF Special Programs Corporation supports students from across the country to make meaningful contributions around the globe and in their own back yard. This summer, UNCFSP selected five students from various Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to serve as SP Scholars. As part of their experience, Scholars were challenged to contribute to the corporation in various ways- one of which was to write a blog.
The fifth and final blog in the series was written by Kahlil Green, a senior Howard University Psychology major with a minor in African American studies:
Kahlil Green, UNCFSP Summer Scholar
During my collegiate career I was fortunate enough to have interned with three excellent government agencies; The City of Fort Worth Mayor’s Office, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Energy (DOE). This past summer, I interned with United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP), where the motto is, “Never Miss an Opportunity.” Just like UNCFSP’s motto, I realized that I was fortunate to gain an experience that would help me formulate my life goals and encourage me to help other interns with theirs. After my six-week long experience, I realized one of the key lessons I learned was how to properly navigate the workplace.
There is a unique culture that exists within every office. As an intern it is your job to figure out that culture, and to discern what behavior is and is not appropriate. As a rule of thumb I always say, when in doubt, ask your supervisor. Knowing and understanding your office’s culture could prevent misinterpreted social cues and potential misunderstandings.
Environment – There is one thing in particular that I will always remember from my experience as an intern, and that is no matter what working environments you are in, each has its own preferred form of communication. Some offices prefer direct lines of communication (i.e., in-person or phone), while others favor a more indirect way of communicating (i.e., memo or email). It is your job to find out which one your direct chain of command prefers– this would be the person directly responsible for your day-to-day activities.
Communication – In addition to understanding how to communicate effectively in the workplace, you must learn how to use the communication tools around you effectively. Email will be the most common way to communicate with your colleagues and outside parties in the work place. You must always be aware that you are a representative of your office and should follow all email protocol. This means, if you are emailing someone, whether in office or out, you should always make sure that you are emailing from your work account and not your personal account. If you decide to send an email from your personal account, that could give the perception that the email is personal in nature.
Networking – During my internship, I also learned the art of networking and that “you are your own brand!” There is a significant difference between having someone’s business card or telephone number and having a relationship with that person. Fostering relationships in the office and during office outings is essential to an intern’s success. For example, during the internship at UNCFSP, we received the opportunity to visit the U.S. Capitol, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and attended meetings at the Peace Corps Headquarters, Africare, and the World Bank. After each visit I created connections instead of just contacts, by emailing and maintaining consistent communication with the people I encountered. Also, another key indicator that the email is business in nature is attaching a signature block in your email. The signature block should consist of your name, title, company name, company address, company telephone number, and your company email address. This information will also help when someone wants to reply to your email and it is an easier way to keep a paper trail.
Progress – Speaking of paper trails, make sure you track your work progress during your internship. This could very well be one of the most vital pieces of information — because some employers think, “out of sight, out of mind.” If you do not show a log of what you have been doing, it may be misconstrued that you are not doing any work. You always want to keep the lines of communication open. You can do this through email. Simply, anytime you send out, receive, speak, or present any type of information, make sure you blind copy your work and email accounts, just in case. You can never be too safe when it comes to information sharing.
It has been a humbling journey learning the ropes in various office spaces, and that journey was indeed a matter of trial and much error. Yet with those experiences I gained much insight and wisdom, and today I hope that I am imparting what I learned to other potential interns—in any internship as well as one at UNCFSP.
Kahlil Green, UNCFSP 2011 Scholar
UNCF Special Programs Corporation supports students from across the country to make meaningful contributions around the globe and in their own back yard. This summer, UNCFSP selected five students from various Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to serve as SP Scholars. As part of their experience, Scholars were challenged to contribute to the corporation in various ways- one of which was to write a blog.
The fourth blog in the series was written by Kahlee Mitchell, a junior Oakwood University Applied Mathematics and Engineer major:
Kahlee Mitchell, UNCFSP Summer Scholar
When people hear that I work for United Negro College Fund Special Programs, their initial reaction is, “Oh! You work for UNCF…so you help African Americans with scholarships?” I then explain that UNCF Special Programs Corporation (SP) is a minority-serving organization that grew out of UNCF. For my own enlightenment I went to the SP website (www.uncfsp.org). There I found the SP mission statement: “Our mission is to organize and deliver educational support services such as capacity building, technical assistance and workforce development programs to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) of higher education.”
So what does SP mean by minorities?
A more formal definition of minority is someone who is part of a population that differs from others in some characteristics and is often subjected to differential treatment.
Okay, I think to myself, we’re getting somewhere with this. I then realize that anyone can be a minority depending on the location or situation. For example, the Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Project, administered by UNCF Special Programs, chooses groups who are “underrepresented,” which includes women, minorities and disabled persons.
Actually anyone can be a minority depending on the situation and a number of other factors. Let’s start with women. How is it possible that women are a minority when they are everywhere? But women can be a minority group. Take the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields for instance. Here women are recognized as minorities because these fields are usually dominated by men. In contrast, if a woman is a nursing major, they probably are not in the minority as nursing is historically dominated by women. Still, this nursing major may be in another type of minority group—she may be an ethnic minority.
Ethnic groups are American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, African American, and Hispanic or Latino. The American Indian or Alaskan Native group consists of people with origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintain their culture through a tribe or community. The Asian American group consists of individuals with origins in any of the original people of the Far East, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander refer to people having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or other Pacific Islands. The African American population has origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. They are the second largest minority population, following the Hispanic/Latino population. The Hispanic and Latino groups refer to someone of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American descent, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.
Disabled persons make up yet another minority group. There are people with disabilities in all racial and ethnic groups. In our culture, this is a group that is often discriminated against. Many do not believe that the disabled can do everything that able-bodied people can do, but the truth is that some people with disabilities can do bigger and better things than their able-bodied counterparts.
While Caucasians are usually not acknowledged as minorities, there are situations where they do fall into the minority category. One of the situations that would make a Caucasian individual a minority is if they decided to go to an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely other minority groups identified in the U.S., but these are some of the minorities recognized by the Equal Employment Opportunity Law.
The bottom line is, United Negro College Fund Special Programs is there for minorities. Their commitment to helping minorities and providing them access to various opportunities is priceless. No matter what group you belong to, SP is here to help you with the kinds of opportunities that can lead to success in the realm of higher education and beyond. The question is, will you let them?
-Kahlee Mitchell, UNCFSP Summer Scholar
UNCF Special Programs Corporation supports students from across the country to make meaningful contributions around the globe and in their own back yard. This summer, UNCFSP selected five students from various Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to serve as SP Scholars. As part of their experience, Scholars were challenged to contribute to the corporation in various ways- one of which was to write a blog.
The third blog in the series was written by Camille C. Hackney, a junior Agnes Scott College Sociology Anthropology major:
Camille C. Hackney, UNCFSP Summer Scholar
Stress, everyone has gone through it at one point or another and for different reasons. I am actually stressed right now writing this blog. I have never written a blog post before, and all of these thoughts are going through my head. “Am I doing this right?” “Does this sound okay?” “Why would anyone believe or trust what I have to say?” But I am getting through this with help from the UNCFSP staff.
As a student, I can think of a number of occasions where I have been stressed. College, for one, can be stressful, especially when you know it’s time to buckle down, get serious, and start thinking about your future. For some, thinking about the future means deciding on a major! For others, it means, “What are my plans for after college?” “How am I going to get into graduate school or find a job?” “Everyone is talking about the importance of internships, how do I get one?”All of these questions swirling in your head can make you panic. Thinking about everything can be overwhelming but it is okay, you are not alone. There is a light at the end of the seemingly never ending tunnel of things to do to help you plan for your future. And that light is UNCFSP!
When I was looking for an internship, prior to receiving the one I have now, I was STRESSING OUT! I didn’t know what I was looking for and I didn’t know what I was supposed to look for. Before I heard about UNCFSP, I visited my school’s career planning office, and was given a few suggestions. I was also told by a family member about a couple of opportunities as well. This gave me somewhere to start and my next step was the application process.
The application for the main internship I was considering was located on UNCFSP’s website, www.uncfsp.org, and guess what? There were even more opportunities when I got to the site! I went to the website to apply for one program and left applying to two others as well! My worries went from finding an internship to completing both my applications and my school work. My plan to help relieve my anxiety was to ask for help when I needed it and to create a timeline. Now you may be thinking, going to www.uncfsp.org got rid of my old worries and stress but then created new ones with all the opportunities and new applications. Well, I had to keep this in mind: it is better to have more opportunities to choose from than to have nothing. I had to remember where I started. I started at the point where I was stressing out about finding an internship, and ended with having many to choose from. Because I visited www.uncfsp.org and created an account, I have a new support team — UNCFSP. UNCFSP pushes me to develop who I am, exposes me to new opportunities and ideas, and mentors me along the way. Some stress is good stress believe it or not and UNCFSP can help you manage that stress. UNCFSP opened doors for me to experiences of a lifetime and can do the same for you!
-Camille C. Hackney, UNCFSP Summer Scholar
UNCF Special Programs Corporation supports students from across the country to make meaningful contributions around the globe and in their own back yard. This summer, UNCFSP selected five students from various Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to serve as SP Scholars. As part of their experience, Scholars were challenged to contribute to the corporation in various ways- one of which was to write a blog.
The second blog in the series was written by Susan Ahn, a junior Virginia Tech International Studies major:
Susan Ahn, UNCFSP Summer Scholar
Any investor must examine the pros and cons before making a large-sum investment. The same goes for students who pay for college. A four-year college degree is one of the largest investments young people will make, costing on average a total of $102,000! As tuition prices increase every year, many students and families wonder: Is a college degree truly worth the money? The answer to this question could be the difference between living comfortably and drowning in debt.
There are college graduates all over the country who struggle to decrease the college loan debt and the accumulated interest that comes with it. For Recent reports on CNN Money indicate that recent college graduates deal with 80 percent more debt than previous generations. Student debt has risen to unprecedented amounts and many high school students are debating whether they should even continue along on their educational paths and attend college.
There are some who argue that the long-term benefits of obtaining a college degree could outweigh the initial outlay of funds. A recent article in the Daily Mail highlights that college graduates make anywhere from $600,000 to $1,000,000 more than those who only completed a high school education. That is a big difference! Statistics show that a college degree is the highest financial return compared to investing in real estate or in the stock market. Although the cost seems hefty at first, a college degree reaps benefits for the individual that are well worth it when looking at the bigger picture.
Future college students can avoid large amounts of debt by applying to scholarships and getting internships or job experience over the summer. The UNCF Special Programs Corporation can help you do just that. The organization’s relations with many federal agencies and other non-profit organizations serve minority institutions and minority students with educational support services.
With that said, a college degree can be beneficial or unhelpful depending on what one does with it. Without a clear plan, a college degree can be worthless. Apply for scholarships, get an internship or a job, and then proceed with caution when making a loan. There are many people along the way such as professors, counselors, and UNCFSP that will guide you in the right direction so that students never miss an opportunity.
-Susan Ahn, UNCFSP Summer Scholar
UNCF Special Programs Corporation supports students from across the country to make meaningful contributions around the globe and in their own back yard. This summer, UNCFSP selected five students from various Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to serve as SP Scholars. As part of their experience, Scholars were challenged to contribute to the corporation in various ways- one of which was to write a blog.
The first blog in the series is from Devin Dotson, a senior Hampton University Marketing major:
Devin Dotson, UNCFSP Summer Scholar
A large number of prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have consistently produced minorities who are not only well-educated, but also well-prepared for the workforce. For example, a majority of HBCU students must participate in internship programs as a requirement to graduate. During their internships, students apply the theoretical teachings from the classroom into practical, work-related situations. After their internships, students return to their institutions with real- life experience and the knowledge that they can accomplish more than they imagined. In the eyes of those hiring the future workforce, however, the value of an HBCU education may not equate to those of Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). There is a great amount of talent that comes from HBCU campuses, but in the real world, that talent is often untapped or misplaced.
One would think that businesses would recognize that HBCUs provide them the opportunity to not only diversify but to elevate their companies. So many minorities have the will to become professionals but many times lack the proper guidance and the opportunities to do so. Most employers understand the need to have a diverse workplace simply because they are required to have a pre-designated number of minority employees. Many times, however, employers are unaware to the true benefits of diversity.
In a corporate environment, different types of business relationships are formed and various professionals can help to better nurture these budding relationships. This allows for a well-rounded workforce and also creates a sense of company culture, which in turn provides a comfortable and more productive work environment. Whether it is acknowledged or not, diversity is one of the components that make this country such a great nation. Why wouldn’t that same principle be implemented in the business world?
A more in-depth analysis of HBCUs would certainly help dispel misconceptions about these institutions. Dr. William R. Harvey, president of Hampton University—one of the most prestigious HBCUs and the school I currently matriculate in—discusses the relevance of historically black institutions: “HBCUs conferred over 22% of all degrees awarded to African Americans. With only 13% of African Americans in higher education, these colleges awarded nearly 30% of all undergraduate degrees earned by African American students in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines; 50% of all bachelor’s degrees in teacher education received by African American students; and 85% of Doctor of Medicine degrees acquired by African Americans according to statistics compiled by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education.” Statistics such as these further prove my point about the value of an HBCU education.
There are organizations that understand the significance of these historic institutions. Organizations such as UNCFSP strive to connect those minority professionals to their success. UNCFSP targets minority professionals striving for acceptance in corporate environments. UNCFSP does this by providing their numerous partnering agencies with a continual flow of talented, minority professionals. In addition, the organization assists young professionals in every facet of professional development with resume building, study abroad experiences, financial literacy workshops, leadership and business etiquette seminars, and much more. I myself am engaged in the UNCFSP Summer Scholars Program and have been with the organization for almost eight weeks now.
As an organization UNCFSP focuses on workforce development and institutional capacity building. The workforce development program in particular prepares students to become more productive members of the work force. As I approach my senior year, because of my experience at UNCFSP, I personally won’t ask, “now what?” but “why not?” Part of the preparation that UNCFSP provides is to become a well-rounded individual, which makes for a more effective and efficient collective in the workplace and in society. Now that I am a part of this group, I know that I will definitely connect to my success.
-Devin Dotson, UNCFSP Summer Scholar
UNCFSP’s motto, “Connect to Your Success,” couldn’t have been developed at a better time. In this incredibly competitive job market, the time you take to make meaningful connections directly translates into successful job and internship searching. We hope to provide some thoughts and tips about the subject of professional networking – how to do it with integrity, purpose, and with positive results.
As a career counselor who has worked with Institute for International Public Policy Fellows for nearly a decade, I can say with certainty that networking is one of the areas that is the most challenging. The word has become associated with a slicked-back, opportunistic kind of networking – in fact, I think about just the opposite. Barbara Moses, in her excellent article, “Don’t Network, Make Contact,” talks about good networking being like ‘the most graceful dancing.’ It involves give and take. People who are adept at networking understand that it isn’t just getting information, but it is also offering something in return – interest, appreciation, a good article, a referral to a conference — a way to say thank you, to continue the connection.
Often the hardest times to start networking is when you launch a job search. A network should be in place by then — and ready to be tapped, expanded, for advice and information. Think about asking people for things they can always deliver — and people can always deliver ideas, enthusiasm, support, information. Thus, if you are happy in school, in an internship, in a job – this is a great time to reach out and start meeting people for professional advice and information.
Another important thing to remember is not to expect the person with whom you wish to speak to have to work too hard. This means you need to sound focused and prepared.
Practice your introduction and go over important questions you’d like answered.
Technology – e-networking, has added an additional layer of complexity. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, all present excellent platforms for networking – but also great possibilities for disaster.
I try to remind students to be very aware of what they are posting, how it is likely to be perceived by a potential employer (Employers are checking Facebook more and more), and what they want people to know (or not know) about them. Casual e-speak, including abbreviations, lack of proper salutations, and direct (often blunt) short sentences don’t work when you are establishing credibility with a new individual. Take a bit more time, be a bit more formal, and you will find that it pays off.
Now is a great time to review whom you’d like to reconnect with – perhaps an old mentor you have been meaning to reach out to, or a professor who was very meaningful. It could be a former boss, someone at UNCFSP, or an individual you heard speak at a panel. Make a plan — concrete action steps, and think about starting off the New Year with a few meaningful conversations about your career and your studies. You never know what doors may open!
-Nina Segal, International Career Development Consultant and Career Counselor for the International Institute for Public Policy
With the theme, “Celebrating 10 Years of Health Information ACCESS at HBCUs,” UNCFSP and the National Library of Medicine’s 2011 ACCESS Meeting was well-attended by librarians and health advocates. In addition, through social media the virtual attendance was also of note as users tuned into the meeting on Twitter. During the June 13-14 event in Bethesda, MD, UNCFSP staff members as well as meeting participants documented key points and tips from speakers live in 140 characters or less.
Keynote speaker David Hale, a Social Media Strategist and Information Technology Specialist from the National Institutes of Health, participated in the live tweeting of the day. UNCFSP provided various points from his presentation, The “Social” Revolution: Transforming Health Information into Health Innovation:
David Hale (@lostonroute66) tweets during conference
A tip from David Hale's Social Media Presentation
Social media tip from keynote speaker David Hale
The event brought together attendees who engage in the promotion of disease prevention and wellness on HBCU campuses and their surrounding communities through the NLM online health resources. Since 2002, 36 grants have been awarded and HBCUs have successfully engaged their communities in research, curriculum enhancements, training, and health information dissemination.
A meeting participant and presenter, Cynthia L. Henderson, Executive Director and ACCESS Project Director at Howard University, explains some of the work accomplished with the institution’s ACCESS grant:
Since its inception, ACCESS project awardees have made great contributions to enhance UNCFSP’s efforts through the promotion of the NLM health, environmental, and medical databases access and use through nursing students, churches, university and public libraries, mobile health units, student Health educators, and train-the-trainer volunteers.
Gale A. Dutcher, Deputy Associate Director, Division of Specialized Information Services, National Library of Medicine, was impressed by the meeting participants. “I’m always amazed at how much the different schools are able to accomplish and how enthusiastic they all are and what a difference it really makes,” she says. [UNCFSP] really has the knowledge of the community and the trust of the community in a way that we as a government agency can never have, and we’re really happy to partner with them.”
Whether on the ground or in cyberspace, UNCFSP continues its mission to reach out to the organization’s constituents and provide them with the tools to connect to their success.
For more information contact Hassantu Blake at hassantu.blake@uncfsp.org or visit www.uncfsp.org.