UCLA funds student-run community enrichment projects
Some say that the best way to initiate change is to play an active role at the community level — an idea that UCLA is taking to heart.
According to The Daily Bruin, the Bruin Excellence and Student Transformation Grant Program, also known as BEST, will provide grants to student-run projects that address campus climate, retention or diversity issues. Each project will be provided grants of up to $7,000 per project.
BEST was created by longtime community organizer Kareem Elzein, as well as four other graduate students.
Vice Chancellor Jerry Kang hopes that the grant will fund projects necessary to increasing inclusivity on campus.
Student groups like the Muslim Student Association and Samahang Pilipino are encouraged to apply for grants so that the work already being done by these organizations can be complemented and given more resources.
Ayesha Rasheed, the external vice president of the Muslim Student Association, hopes that MSA will apply for grants to fund projects in mental health, Islamaphobia and community retention.
"As students, we cannot do a lot of programming on our own, so the funding and mentorship (BEST) provides makes it a lot easier for the work that we do," she said.
Once applicants submit their applications, those whose projects are funded will be assigned a mentor who will provide resources and assistance.
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