Students practice grant-writing in real-world scenario

A new pilot project in public health grant-writing, implemented by Department of Health Education and Promotion teaching instructor Amy Hattem, led East Carolina University students to their grant proposals being reviewed by respected professionals in Pitt County.

This “mock grant project” in HLTH 4880 – Capstone: Applied Principles of Health Education and Promotion – included a student recognition and guest partnership presentation event Nov. 21 in the Belk Building. The three student groups were each presented a mock “big check” for their proposals, which aligned with community health needs assessments of local counties. The professional reviewers were Kahla Hall, director of Community Benefit Grants with the ECU Health Foundation; Alice Keene, HHP/ECU outstanding alum and recreation projects coordinator for Pitt County; Catherine Nelson, senior administrator of Community Health Programs, ECU Health.

“I learned how it really is a step-by-step process to follow,” student Fatina Ann said of writing a grant proposal. “It makes me feel confident for my internship, in case I do have to do (grant writing).”

An online portal was created specifically for the students to submit their public health grant proposals. Their ideas focused on improving maternal and sexual health, mental health and substance abuse.

“This is a celebration of your work and the skills gained,” Hattem said. “It was a job well done.”

Nelson and Keene also led a presentation about Pitt Partners for Health. The presentation emphasized healthy lifestyles, benefits of partnerships and how the group’s successful public health initiatives were implemented and have sustained.

Keene said the mock grant project was a great idea, congratulating Hattem, who was the director of health education and public information for the Pitt County Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic, on her initiative and the work submitted by students to gain real-world experience. The other reviewers echoed that the proposals submitted were quality and thorough.

“The content and the substance of these proposals were excellent,” Nelson said. “I enjoyed reading them. Good job.”

Added Hall: “I was impressed with your sustainability. I probably read 100 grants every year, and a lot of times, sustainability is the hardest part. But you all had a sensible plan.”

Students in HLTH 4880 receive their mock check for the class assignment mock grant writing project.

Students in HLTH 4880 receive their mock check for the class assignment mock grant writing project.

Students in HLTH 4880 receive their mock check for the class assignment mock grant writing project.

Alice Keene talks about the mock grant project assignment.