Grants from the Alumnae/i Association Executive Board fund new experiences for Simmons students.
Creating a Climate Camp and getting students into the gym for Club Gymnastics are just two of the ways grants from the Alumnae/i Association are supporting new programs for students. The Undergraduate Alumnae/i Association Executive Board awards grants up to $1,500 to fund new programs for students each year. The process not only helps create new experiences on and off campus, but also helps students learn more about the grant writing process.
Club Gymnastics used the money to help get the program started on campus. “Without the grant I’m not sure if Simmons would have approved us,” said Amanda Kasper '20, President of Simmons Club Gymnastics. “They really like that we took the initiative to gain our own funding.”
The grant was used for new competition leotards, transportation, practice fees and meet entry fees. Since receiving the grant, membership in Club Gymnastics has more than doubled.
In addition to the creation of Club Gymnastics, the Simmons Sustainability Club created its own Climate Camp. The retreat was organized by students as a way to strengthen sustainability initiatives at Simmons. Students invited guest speakers to the retreat, including Simmons professors, to learn more about the science of climate change.
Talks during the retreat included the benefits of soil remediation, renewable energy, social justice, and the impact of purchasing choices. Members of the club who went on the retreat also say it was an important team building activity.
“Thank you again for giving our club this opportunity,” said Charlotte Rivard '19, President of the Sustainability Club and organizer of the retreat. “I'm really excited about the outcomes of this retreat and already feel greater cohesion with club members who participated.”