Susan Lax, J.J. Weaver and Nicole Breazeale present on their Women & Philanthropy grant funding at the November Symposium.
The UK Women & Philanthropy Network has awarded $232,878.16 to six academic initiatives at UK. These programs were selected as the top proposals receiving votes from members at the recent symposium. This brings the network's lifetime grant funding to more than $3.3 million, demonstrating the tremendous impact of women's collective giving at UK.
The College of Fine Arts' Opera Theatre received $50,000 to support their production of “SANCTUARY ROAD,” an opera that tells the story of William Still and the Underground Railroad. The funding will provide student scholarships and support guest artists working with students, while enabling the program to offer 500 free tickets to K-12 students and members of underserved communities.
The College of Medicine received $50,000 to continue their ACTION Program (Appalachian Career Training in Oncology), which provides scholarships to students from Eastern Kentucky pursuing careers in cancer research and care. This funding will help address both healthcare disparities and educational opportunities in the region.
The College of Dentistry was awarded $50,000 to expand their public health dentistry outreach program in underserved Kentucky communities. The funding will support multiple service trips providing free dental care while giving student dentists valuable hands-on experience in community service.
"Funding from the Women & Philanthropy grant has allowed more than 70 dental students to attend RAM (remote area medical) clinics across Kentucky, giving us the opportunity to give back to our communities," said Victoria Crane, a member of the UK College of Dentistry Class of 2025. "The patients we've served have been incredibly appreciative, and the experiences we've gained as students are truly invaluable. I hope to carry this sense of gratitude and commitment to helping others forever."
The College of Arts & Sciences received $50,000 to enhance their First Generation Trailblazers program, which provides mentorship and scholarship support to first-generation college students. The program pairs 25 upper-class mentors with 25 first- or second-year students, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship.
"We are deeply grateful for the generosity of Women & Philanthropy," said Christia Spears Brown, associate dean for access, community and engagement in the College of Arts and Sciences. "These scholarships provide our First Generation Trailblazer students with both a critical financial safety net and the invaluable support of a dedicated peer mentor. Beyond financial relief, this opportunity fosters a sense of belonging and community that is essential for success. This investment empowers our First Generation Trailblazers to focus on their education, graduate with confidence, and ultimately change the trajectory of their families and communities for generations to come."
The College of Social Work was granted $12,878.16 to support scholarships for students entering their new Criminal Justice Programs, helping to prepare the future workforce in law enforcement, victim advocacy, cybercrime and homeland security.
The College of Nursing received $20,000 to expand their rural health outreach through the hCATS (health Colleges Advancing Team Skills) for RAM USA program, which provides healthcare services in Perry, Knott and Leslie counties of Kentucky. The funding will support expanded health screenings and services while offering valuable rural healthcare experience to nursing students.
"These grants represent our ongoing commitment to supporting innovative programs that enhance student success, advance research and serve Kentucky communities," said Pam Sigler, chair of the UK Women & Philanthropy Network. "Each funded initiative demonstrates the powerful impact of collective giving in transforming lives and communities across the Commonwealth."
The Women & Philanthropy Network, formed in 2007, unites individuals as leaders, donors and advocates for UK. Members contribute $1,000 annually, pooling their resources to fund grants that support research, provide scholarships and advance creative programs across the university. Colleges and programs are invited to submit proposals and members vote on which proposals to fund.
Click here to learn more. For more information about the UK Women & Philanthropy Network, contact Christina Yue at 859-323-7950 or Christina.Yue@uky.edu.