Urban Update 
The monthly newsletter of the UMass Dartmouth
Urban Initiative
November 2013
We're particularly excited about a new project we're adding to our portfolio this month, a collaboration with New Bedford's Veteran's Transition House to assess the needs of Vets in the SouthCoast. What's great about this project is that it so perfectly aligns with our mission: not only are we helping an urban organization turn a challenge--Veteran homelessness--into an opportunity to better address the comprehensive needs of area Vets, but we're also able to do this cost-effectively through student engagement.

Mike McCarthy, our undergraduate research assistant, has shepherded this project from day one: he worked with the VTH to define the need, he conducted preliminary research on ways to address it, he developed a proposed scope of work, and now, he's managing a project that involves survey research, data analysis, and focus groups. This means that when we issue a report on our findings, the VTH will be armed with information that can help them support Vets more effectively, while Mike will have the experience of leading a multifaceted project under his belt. This isn't just a resume-builder, but also an experience that will help him continue to contribute to the betterment of his own community. 

SouthCoast Indicators
Continuing with our education push, we've added data comparing school performances within each city's school district. This allows users to compare accountability and assistance levels, test scores, progress, class size, and student/teacher ratios across elementary, middle, and high schools. Click the following links to learn more:
Got an idea for a SCUIP page we haven't created yet? Let us know!
From the blog
  • Fall River and New Bedford residents have a new app with which to "see, click, and fix" problems in their cities, but each city has taken a much different approach to implementation. Read our take here.   
 Upcoming Events

What: SouthCoast Nonprofit Leadership Conference - Join the Greater New Bedford Funders' Network for an engaging day of workshops geared specifically toward the region's nonprofit organizations on the topics of: collaborative impact, board development, and financial management.

When: Thursday, December 5 (8:30a-4p)

Where: Woodland Commons at UMass Dartmouth

Cost: $25 (includes lunch); learn more and register here 

Let us know if you want to see your event listed in this space! 

 Grants

ArtPlace America seeks letters of inquiry for creative placemaking projects - deadline: 12/13 

Grants will be awarded to projects that involve arts organizations, artists, and designers working in partnership with local and national partners to have a transformative impact on community vibrancy. More information and application instructions here.

Fiskars' Project Orange Thumb w/grants for community gardens - deadline: 12/31    

Grants of $5,000 in cash and tools will go to ten nonprofits improving their neighborhoods with community gardening projects. Learn more here.  

 Job opportunities
Do you need help getting the word out about a job opportunity? Send us your announcement and we'll share it both here and on our blog.

Sorry, there are no new job opportunities on our radar this month. Check out our October newsletter to see if those listings are still active.
In this issue:
SouthCoast Indicators
From the blog
Events
Grants
Jobs




 About the Urban Initiative:

 

The UI is a division of the Center for Policy Analysis that addresses challenges and opportunities in the region's smaller industrial cities, with a particular emphasis on Fall River and New Bedford.  

 

In addition to conducting applied research, evaluating programs and policies, facilitating collaborations, and providing technical assistance to cities and organizations therein, the Urban Initiative serves as a knowledge base for urban policy issues in the region.

 

Perhaps most importantly, our work to support cities supports UMass Dartmouth students. Graduate and undergraduate students enjoy the opportunity to apply their coursework in the field by serving as paid staff and interns. If you are or know of a UMass Dartmouth student who wants to work with the Urban Initiative, get in touch!


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Contact us!
 
Phone:
508-910-6407

Email: urbaninitiative@umassd.edu

Mail:
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747

Website: http://www.umassd.edu/urbaninitiative/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbaninitiative

Twitter: @UrbanUMassD 



Urban Initiative staff

Project Manager:
Colleen Dawicki

Graduate research assistants:
Robert Golder 
Katya Starostina

Undergraduate research assistant:
Mike McCarthy

Undergraduate intern:
Bethany Turek