BVU ORGANIZATION RECEIVES GRANT FROM ALLIANT ENERGY FOUNDATION

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Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson (right) receives an Alliant Energy Foundation grant from Rebecca Gisel. The grant will help support activities as part of BVU’s mentoring program, BV Buddies.

STORM LAKE, IA (06/22/2017) (readMedia)-- Buena Vista University's (BVU) mentoring program, BV Buddies, received a $2,000 grant from Alliant Energy Foundation that will be used to support the organization's activities within the community.

This year, BVU's mentoring program plans to use the funding in part for activities that build students' knowledge and interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.

"We are really thankful for the grant funding to support BV Buddies to conduct additional activities, specifically more that center around STEM," said Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson, assistant dean for student life and director of civic engagement. "We will be able to reach more youth and hopefully encourage them to pursue higher education."

The award is part of the Community Grants program that the Alliant Energy Foundation offers to organizations each year. The BV Buddies program has received this grant in the past in recognition of the program's partnership between the University and the Storm Lake School District.

BV Buddies is a mentoring program for youth in the Storm Lake community where BVU students are matched with middle school youth throughout the academic year. They meet with each other on a weekly basis and engage in activities such as helping with homework, cooking, sports activities, crafts and other activities. The middle school students also come to campus each year for a visit, and the group takes a spring trip to a new destination each year. The funds from the Alliant Energy Foundation grant will be used to help support these and similar activities.

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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Photo details: Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson (right) receives an Alliant Energy Foundation grant from Rebecca Gisel. The grant will help support activities as part of BVU's mentoring program, BV Buddies.