Vanderbilt Community Engagement Collaboration program announces seven awardees for fall 2024

From integrating literacy into music education to empowering teens to lead a more balanced digital life, seven innovative projects have been awarded funding through the fall 2024 cycle of the Community Engagement Collaboration Fund.

Administered by the Division of Government and Community Relations, the program encourages radical collaboration of Vanderbilt faculty, staff and students with the Nashville community to address local challenges with shared expertise and resources. The overarching aim is to foster long-standing partnerships that benefit all involved and leave a lasting impact on the broader community.

"These initiatives reflect our commitment to fostering connections that advance education, community well-being, workforce development and community collaboration," said Kathleen Fuchs Hritz, senior director of community relations at Vanderbilt. "We are inspired by the dedication of our colleagues and their community partners to address such diverse and pressing local issues."

Faculty and staff from 11 of Vanderbilt's schools, departments and centers have joined forces with local nonprofits, schools and other community stakeholders to bring these initiatives to life.

Fall 2024 awardees

Integrating Literacy and Music Education: A Collaborative Approach Using the Book Jazz Babyby Carol Weatherford Boston

• This project aims to enrich music curriculum in Metro Nashville Public Schools through a comprehensive approach to weaving literacy into music education, culminating in an author's visit and student performance festival.

• Collaborators: Holling Smith-Borne, director of Wilson Music Library, Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries; Tiffeni Fontno, director of Peabody Education Library, Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries; Franklin Willis, director of Visual and Performing Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Youth Caregivers Thrive: A Holistic Well-Being Support Group Program

• A support group program focused on the wellness of adolescents who are caregivers to family members with health challenges, promoting the youth caregivers' social development and addressing their mental health needs to reduce depression and anxiety.

• Collaborators: Feylyn Lewis, assistant dean of student affairs, School of Nursing; James Powers, professor of medicine, Division of Geriatrics, associate clinical director VA Geriatric Research, Education & Clinical Center, School of Medicine; Jolie Hawthorne, Class of 2026, College of Arts and Sciences; Annisha Bell, volunteer coordinator, Tennessee Caregiver Coalition; Megan Schwalm, executive director, Tennessee Caregiver Coalition.

Digital Balance Academy: Empowering Teens to Thrive Online and Offline

• This pilot program promotes healthy digital habits among teenagers, combining Vanderbilt's academic resources with peer mentoring and interactive challenges.

• Collaborators: Melissa Mallon, associate university librarian for teaching and learning, Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries; Emily Bush, instruction and digital learning librarian, Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries; Andrew Maraniss, special projects coordinator, Vanderbilt Athletics; Sandy Schmahl, chief operations officer, STARS Nashville; Lindsey Kimery, coordinator of library services, Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Unearthing Nashville: Digging Deeper and Preserving the Past

• A historical preservation project that involves students in archaeological practices to uncover and exhibit Nashville's history, fostering appreciation for the city's development.

• Collaborators: Amanda Dixon, assistant director, The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt; Menton Deweese, director, The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt; Amanda Hellman, director, Vanderbilt University Museum of Art; Adam Fracchia, archaeologist, Metropolitan Historical Commission.

Nashville Criminal Justice Summits

• Two summits designed to explore and enhance methods of ensuring effective and equitable criminal justice and public safety in the Nashville community.

• Collaborators: Alissa Heydari, research professor, Vanderbilt Law School; Graham Reside, assistant professor, Vanderbilt Divinity School; Amy Gore, policy and research director, ThinkTennessee.

Unbannable Library Interactive Displays

• An initiative raising awareness about censorship and the importance of intellectual freedom through the creation of interactive displays featuring books that have faced banning attempts.

• Collaborators: Sarah Calise, curator of community histories, Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries; Claudine Taaffe, principal senior lecturer and associate director, Engine for Art, Democracy, and Justice; Danielle Myers, program manager and designer, Engine for Art, Democracy, and Justice; Tiffeni Fontno,director of Peabody Education Library, Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries; Paul Collins, artist, Unbannable Library.

Vanderbilt University Public Safety-Community Service Officer Training Academy

• This training academy addresses workforce needs by providing career pathways in security positions, emphasizing recruitment and partnership within the local community.

• Collaborators: Haydee Martinez, captain of strategic initiatives, crime analysis and community engagement, Vanderbilt University Public Safety; Brian Bergheger, workforce integration specialist, People, Culture and Belonging; Joel Silmon, director of workforce development, Urban League of Middle Tennessee.

Applications open for spring 2025 funding

The Community Engagement Collaboration Fund is accepting applications for spring 2025. Eligible applicants can apply online through Jan. 21. Additional details and requirements are available in the application.

Apply Now

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