Terrace, BC – Each year, Coast Mountain College instructor Simon Thompson assigns the students in his English 151 Technical Writing class a grant-writing project. The students choose a community organization, then act as a writing consultant to develop a proposal based on the organization’s needs and the grants available. Last year, as a result of the students’ efforts, Foundry Terrace received a $10,000 grant from Northern Health for paddleboards.
Foundry Terrace was selected by three students, Meena Devi, Carol-Ann Bourdon, and Kayla Abram, as their organization of choice because all three had an important connection with group. Foundry Terrace, a branch of Terrace and District Community Services Society, offers young people, ages 12-24, access to mental health and substance use support, primary care, peer support, and social services.
“We created a presentation outlining what we wanted to do and why we chose it as our project,” says Kayla Abram. The presentation included an Excel spreadsheet outlining the items being requested (paddleboards, life jackets, extra pumps and paddles) plus taxes, to ensure that all costs were accounted for.
Get up, stand up! is designed to address mental and physical wellness for the youth and young adults who use Foundry Terrace’s services. The inflatable paddleboards and complementary outdoor equipment meet Northern Health’s active living goals and, with minimal maintenance, the equipment can provide recreation, physical activity, connection with nature, and an escape from the day-to-day routine for years to come.
“Although we live in a beautiful place with all kinds of outdoor activities available at our doorstep, access … is not equitable for all members of the community,” says Foundry Head Alexis (Lexi) Ratz. Whether due to financial constraints, transportation issues, physical or mental ability, or other reasons, going out and getting active is difficult for some people.
“Thanks to the hard work of these students, folks who access Foundry and other TDCSS services will now have access to high-quality recreation equipment for years to come. We can hardly wait for next summer!”
The project gave the English 151 students practical experience in grant writing, a job-relevant skill they may well need in their future careers. It also enhanced the students’ connection with the community by increasing their awareness of community organizations and their needs.
Instructor Simon Thompson says, “This class activity provides learners at Coast Mountain College an opportunity to experience all of the benefits of experiential place-based education. The learners get to connect with local non-profit organizations, to work as consultant grant-writers, and to see the direct benefits of their efforts on behalf of an important community partner. I am very proud of Meena, Carol-Ann, and Kayla.”
In the past, other community organizations have also benefited from the English 151 class grant-writing project. Kalum School Society received a grant from Northern Health to establish a garden of Indigenous plants and Terraceview Lodge received a grant from Northern Health for an outdoor sitting area. Students also wrote a successful grant that led to the creation of a wildlife viewing platform on the Prince Rupert Harbourfront.
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Media Contact:
Heather Bastin
Executive Director, External Relations
hbastin@coastmountaincollege.ca