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ASA gives $1,000 grants to state universities clubs

By Rebecca Hallengren
State Press

The Arizona Student's Association has extended an opportunity to student groups with a $1,000 community action grant that became available the first week of school.

It was created to fund student-based community service projects, said Sam Leyvas, ASA executive director.

The community project must be completed within one semester and must be directed toward the overall benefit of the campus. All student organizations on campus are eligible to apply, except the student governments of each university.

Essam El-Dardiry, an ASA director, said he supported the project because it gives something back to all Arizona university students who have to pay a refundable $1 fee to ASA each semester. Money for the grant comes from left over money in the association's budget.

ASA, a lobbying group representing all Arizona university students, decided to have a grant instead of personal student scholarships because scholarships only help one student, whereas a project grant can benefit many more, Leyvas said.

"We want to really empower students to make a difference in their community," he said. "We decided we wanted to put the money to good use, to invest the money in students."

Students groups from ASU, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University are eligible to apply. Each campus will receive one grant.

Applications are due by Feb. 14. Call (602) 294-6900 for more information.

Rebecca Hallengren can be reached by e-mail at rebecca.hallengren@asu.edu.