NSHSS is excited to share details about the Ford College Community Challenge. Ford Motor Company Fund is reaching out to students, colleges and universities to request proposals for the ninth round of this innovative grant-making initiative. The program is designed to empower student-led projects at higher education organizations to catalyze community-building projects that address pressing local needs.

The overarching theme of the Ford College Community Challenge is “Building Sustainable Communities.” Winning proposals must address, in some creative way, a tangible, unmet community need that addresses the issue of building a sustainable community. Participants are asked to think broadly and explore a variety of potential topics including infrastructure and workforce needs, education pipeline issues, design issues, new approaches to student volunteerism, etc.

Up to 10 winning proposals will be selected to receive $25,000 each from Ford Motor Company Fund to support implementation of the proposed projects. Winning proposals must, at a minimum, meet the following requirements:

1. Describe an innovative approach to “Building Sustainable Communities”

2. Involve students in a leadership role

3. Seek to address an urgent and unmet community need in a tangible way

4. Involve a community-based organization as a partner

5. Involve the school of business, engineering, or design in some way

To submit a proposal for the 2016 Ford College Community Challenge or to learn more about this opportunity, please visit http://www.fordblueovalnetwork.org/contests/ford-c3

When submitting your proposal, remember to mention that you are an NSHSS member. Proposals are due May 11, 2016