Sara Garska of Rochester Completes Grant Writing Thesis at Ashland University

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Sara Garska completed her grant writing thesis on April 14, 2011.

• Sara Garska interns with the Ashland Center for Nonviolence where she is responsible creating and communicating events held by the organization.

ASHLAND, OH (04/19/2011)(readMedia)-- Completing a thesis paper is the culminating project for many majors at Ashland University. While most seniors may complete their thesis and then move on after graduation, Sara Garska is continuing to work on her thesis and her work now will carry on into her career and life goals. Garska presented her Honors Capstone Project on Thursday, April 14, at Ashland University.

Garska of Rochester is an English major with Business Administration and Applied Writing minors at Ashland. She is the daughter of Clarence and Pat Garska. She is a 2008 graduate of Wellington Senior High School.

Garska wrote her thesis titled "Good Questions, Better Tools: A Guide for Fledgling Grant Writers." The thesis centers on the skills necessary to write an appropriate grant and brings a new way of looking at grant writing. She is continuing to work on her paper and is considering turning her paper in to a book in the future.

Garska was advised by Dr. John Stratton, Executive Director of the Center for Nonviolence, and Dr. Jacqueline Wilkins, Assistant Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Garska was inspired to use this topic as her thesis following a failed grant writing experience and after reading a book on the subject that not only couldn't hold her interest, but had information she felt could be improved upon.

Instead of looking at grant writing as a linear process as most books do, Garska finds there is a relationship between the foundation giving the grant and the nonprofit organization asking for the money. The goal is the find the mutual mission of the two organizations and build upon that, Garska said.

The paper and presentation contains many visuals because she has found that people respond positively to visual information, Garska said. Dr. Stratton praised Garska for her ability to "conceptualize and reconceptualize" her project and to help grant writers understand focusing on the relationship between the foundation and nonprofit organization is more important than writing that focuses on getting the money.

"She had very positive learning experiences and was able to work with many foundations," Dr. Stratton said. In addition to working with multiple foundations, Garska also worked with many colleges and universities to help her gain understanding on her thesis.

Garska has benefited from this experience and through her new way of looking at grant writing. She hopes that others will benefit from her research as well.

After graduation, Garska plans to continue to work for a short time at Ashland University and write grants for local organizations. Though she is currently looking for a job, she plans to volunteer over the summer.

The Honors Capstone Project is the pinnacle of the Honors Program. Honors Students apply the skills of inquiry, discovery and critical thinking in their Honors Capstone Projects. Honors Capstone Projects are available for viewing in the Ashland University campus library.

Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) is a mid-sized, private institution conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.