Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Institute for Liberatory Innovation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: ILI
Mailing Address: PO Box 624
City: Montpelier
State: Vermont
Postal Code: 05601
Main Phone: 8025229129
Main Fax: 8025229129
Organization Website: https://www.liberatoryinstitute.org/
Employer ID Number: 84-4716628
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 29, 2021
Requested Amount: 6,000

Project Title: Equity Scholar Program – Middle-High School Mentoring
Project Description:

“In Vermont, children from low-income families, students with disabilities, and students of color score worse on standardized tests, are more likely to be suspended or expelled, are less likely to graduate on time, and are less likely to reach college or career readiness, go to college, and graduate from college. (Education Matters Report.2016)

Our Equity Scholar in Residence Program (ESR) addresses this problem for K-12 students directly and indirectly. A uniquely prepared, independent teacher/scholar works on-site with educators providing up-to-date and real-time support for their efforts to effectively promote educational equity. The teacher/scholar also works directly with middle-high school students in extra-curricular groups supporting their efforts to contribute to, advocate for, and learn about educational equity. We are seeking support for that specific work. In all cases, the teacher/scholar’s approach is specific, combining genuine relationship, restorative & compassionate practice, learner-centered pedagogy, and responsive scholarship.

The ESR model was originally developed to increase educators’ willingness, confidence, and knowledge to develop their capacity to effectively serve underserved K-12 students. Our two-year pilot evidenced success in that regard. Now we want to understand the impact of the ESR approach in direct work with students, specifically on their capacity to succeed as evidenced by their self-reported confidence, willingness, and knowledge to advocate, communicate, problem-solve, strengthen relationships, and understand themselves more fully in the context of challenging societal circumstances. To this end, the teacher/scholar will bring the ESR approach with intention to ongoing, mentoring relationships with one or two student groups who organize for this purpose. The ILI will conduct pre- and post-interviews to determine the impact of these students’ interactions with the ESR. Based on the results, we will promote and expand this approach with k-12 students.

Total Project Budget: 11,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Major donor, school budget contribution, foundation funding

Project Duration: 2022-2023 school year
Geographical Area Served: Central Vermont
Age Group To Be Served: 12-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr
Contact First Name: Lucinda
Contact Last Name: Garthwaite
Contact Title: Director
Contact Phone: 8025229129
Contact Email: lgarthwaite@liberatoryinstitute.org