Feds rescind grant toward Winona State civic engagement initiative
Mar. 6—WINONA, Minn. — A federal grant to fund a program to promote civic engagement among Winona State University students has been terminated, university officials say.
A $1.1 million Department of Defense million grant announced in August 2024 was earmarked to go toward an initiative to promote understanding of civic and nonprofit organizations called the Civic Center.
On Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, Winona State officials received a notice of termination of the grant from the Department of Defense. The notice referenced a Code of Federal Regulations language that indicates a federal award may be terminated if the "award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities."
The Civic Center, established in fall 2024, was created by faculty and university leaders to introduce students and faculty to local government entities and nonprofits to foster civic engagement. It kicked off with a series of events called "Promoting Civility Through Dialogue."
Civic Center leaders had scheduled a speaker series on civic engagement, civility and public service. They had planned dialogues and discussion events on topics including building welcoming and inclusive communities, transportation coordination, affordable housing, and cooperation on regional development, WSU officials said.
"This grant represented a significant investment in student learning and regional community support for civic engagement, and we are disappointed the award has been terminated," an official statement from the university said.
The statement continued that the initiative will continue in whatever capacity the school is able to do so.
"The purpose of the Civic Center is to bring students and the community together to solve public issues, and we will continue to do that in whatever capacity is available to us," it said.
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