Bridget and James Coffing Fund for Family Advocacy

The Bridget and James Coffing Fund for Family Advocacy is intended to provide support for the people, programs, and initiatives in the School of Human Ecology that aim to address social injustices and inequities with the goal of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Toward this goal, these funds will support the summertime scholarship and professional development of Human Ecology graduate students from underrepresented groups. These funds also support the research, outreach, and creative work of Human Ecology graduate students throughout the academic year and/or summertime that is focused on ameliorating social injustices and/or enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The award provides up to $2,000. Funds are merit-based and awarded once a year on a competitive basis. Human Ecology graduate students can apply to one or both of the funding areas described below. Students can apply for these funds in multiple years; however, priority is given to students who have not previously received STAR or Coffing funds.

Funding Areas:

1. Summertime scholarship and professional development of SoHE graduate students from underrepresented groups
Eligibility

• SoHE MS, MFA, or PhD graduate student in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress
• Students who participated in a Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program; OR
• Students from the following racial/ethnic groups: a) African American or Black; b) American Indian or Alaskan Native; c) Hispanic/Latino; d) Cambodian, Vietnamese, Laotian, or Hmong; e) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; OR
• Economically disadvantaged students who are: a) first-generation college students who participated in one of the following TRIO programs: Upward Bound, Talent Search, Educational Opportunities Centers, or Student Support Services; b) first-generation college students who graduated from the PEOPLE Program; or c) UW–Madison bachelor’s degree recipients who were in the FASTrack or BANNER programs OR
• From another socially disadvantaged group. If students are apply under this criterion, the will need to clarify what the disadvantaged group.
• Priority will be given to students who have not yet received SoHE STAR funds or Bridget Coffin funds.

2. Research, outreach, and creative work by SoHE graduate students throughout the academic year or summer focused on ameliorating social injustices and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
Eligibility

• SoHE MS, MFA, or PhD graduate student in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress
• Priority will be given to students who have not yet received SoHE STAR funds or Coffing funds.