The West Virginia University Office of Service Learning Programs is accepting applications from faculty interested in applying forTechnical Assistance and Service Learning Projectgrants for the spring semester.

Grants are funded up to $2,500 per course each semester and are available to support materials, travel expenses, faculty support and student pay. The funding deadline is Monday, Dec. 1.

The TASL programs goal is to find new ways to combine the needs of local after-school programs for technical assistance with opportunities for WVU students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world situations. The initiative is a collaborative program between the WVU Office of Service Learning Programs and the After School for All Coalition of Monongalia County. The project is funded through a two-year grant from the Claude W. Benedum Foundation.

WVU faculty are encouraged to consider incorporating service learning activities into their course assignments and overall curriculums. Projects can involve entire classes, small groups or individual students. Past TASL projects have included tasks such as business consulting, marketing assistance, curriculum development, grant writing, program evaluation and public relations training. Proposals from departments in any college are welcome.

This fall, 52 projects in subjects ranging from marketing and management to social work and English were funded. Fourteen faculty members and more than 200 WVU students are participating in the initiatives.

Local agencies that have participated include: Kaleidoscope Community Learning Centers, Mountaineer Boys and Girls Club, Rock Forge Neighborhood House, Scotts Run Settlement House, the Shack Neighborhood House, Golden Rule Assistance Dogs, BOPARC , Burlington Family Services, Monongalia County Family Resource Network, Morgantown Theatre Company, YEAP and Youth United.

We are pleased with the great success this program has experienced in its first year,said Jill Kriesky, director.We hope that including new projects will help enhance the after-school services provided to Monongalia County students.

For more information, contact Alexis Gainor, TASL campus liaison, at 304-293- 8761 ext. 4485 or alexis.gainor@mail.wvu.edu or visit online at http://www.wvu.edu/~oslp/taslp/index.html .