Utah Nonprofits Association Challenge Finalist

The Orchestra of Southern Utah is honored to have been chosen as a finalist in the Community Impact Challenge presented by the Utah Nonprofits Association.  For registration and event information please see the Utah Nonprofits Association events site.  The following is UNA's information about the presenting finalists.  Thank you UNA for this great opportunity!

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Community Impact Challenge and Exposition

On behalf of our sponsors, UNA is proud to present the Community Impact Challenge and Exposition.  We sought innovative projects that demonstrate collaboration between Nonprofit Organizations, Government Entities and For-Profit businesses that meet a need in our community and have the potential to: Reduce redundancy in NPO services; Create a new, collaborative and beneficial concept that will benefit our communities; Demonstrate best practices in strategic, partner focused collaboration; Expand and enhance services, projects or programs to serve a greater audience.

These finalists are competing to win the title of Best Collaboration at the Community Impact Challenge and Exposition. Two teams of collaborators will have the opportunity to win a cash prize of either $2,500 for the best NEW collaboration or $1,000 for the best EXISTING collaboration. This award is meant to provide seed money for their project or program in order to foster collaboration.

PRESENTING FINALISTS

NEW COLLABORATIONS:

Assistance League of Southern Utah, Cherish Families and Washington County School District will collaborate to prepare a child for a brighter future by easing the burden of poverty and isolation and provide a wrap-around of community caring to nurture future citizens of Utah.  The impact of this collaboration will create a positive school environment and prepare students to meet the challenges of a new environment and increase academic performance that will last a lifetime.

Presented by:

Shirlee Draper, Cherish Families

Gail Neumann, Assistance League of Southern Utah

Mike Carr, Washington County School District

 

The Southwest Wildlife Foundation has partnered with Southern Utah University, North Elementary School, and Rainbow Sign and Banner to design and create customizable Education Kits, information panels and interpretive displays to provide more outdoor learning opportunities for students and guests at the Cedar Canyon Nature Park in Cedar City, Utah.

Presented by:

Secretary Nicole Shafer, Southwest Wildlife Foundation

Dr. Jacqueline Grant, Southern Utah University

Principal Raymond Whittier, ICSD/North Elementary School

             Patrick Shannon, Rainbow Sign and Banner

 

Learn and Grow events, as part of an effort to help parents understand developmental milestones Help Me Grow Utah, The Learning Center for Families, and the Washington County Library System have teamed up to provide Learn and Grow events. These events are open play times, combining our knowledge and value of the early childhood years.

Presented by:

Jodi West, Help Me Grow Utah

Stacey Parra, The Learning Center for Families

Grace Mann, St George Branch of the Washington County Library System

EXISTING COLLABORATIONS:

eSMART Camp for Girls is an annual program provided in partnership by AAUW St. George Branch and Dixie State University. eSMART is a science summer camp for girls in Southern Utah. Camp activities have already increased interest in STEM fields and future careers in STEM for over 360 local girls entering the 8^th grade. This year our team proposes adding engineering specific activities to camp including soldering of circuits. 

Presented by:

Dr. Richard Williams, DSU President

Dr. Nancy Hauck, DSU Education Pro. and Community Engagement Goal Co-Leader

Dr. Erin O'Brien, DSU Chair of Biological Sciences and eSMART Director

Lysa McCarroll, AAUW St. George Branch President Elect

School of Life and the School of Life Foundation partners with schools, school districts, and local businesses with a mission of increasing high school graduation rates. Each entity plays a role in providing a character/life skills training curriculum to at-risk youth in an after school setting. We positively impact the students and the economy.

Presented by:

Jack Rolfe, CEO, School of Life Foundation
Erik Sorenson, CEO, Sorenson Advertising Agency
Justin Keate, Vice Principal, Desert Hills High School
Larry Bergeson, Superintendent, Washington County School District

Pam Graf, Foundation Director, Washington County School District

 

The Children’s Jubilee/STEAM Festival has truly become a celebration of the talent and knowledge in Iron County.  This event teaches people through performances and interactive displays about the wonders of art and science.  This program has the support and partnership of many organizations and local businesses including the Orchestra of Southern Utah, SUU, Cedar City Public Library, and Cedar Music Store.

Presented by:

Emily Hepworth, OSU Manager
Melissa Leavitt, OSU Education Coordinator
Bill Heyborne, SUU Assistant Professor of Biology