KSC Earns Grant to Expand Student Support and Preventative Programs
Keene State College recently received a grant from the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women to build upon existing initiatives and resources dedicated to keeping students and our community safe. The competitive $300,000 grant will be used over three years to expand ongoing prevention programming, and hire additional staff to support initiatives on campus.
Across the country, violence against women on college and university campuses is a serious issue. Rates at Keene State are lower than national averages, and Keene State continues to model courageous commitment and creativity in efforts to address this problem. The new grant provides more opportunity to deliver on this commitment, and Keene State students will take an active role by helping to shape programs and support through the grant funding.
“We are pleased to have been selected for this grant. It demonstrates the recognition of the true dedication and exemplary work that is already underway at the College,” said Keene State Vice President for Student Affairs Kemal Atkins. “The safety and health of our students is at the center of all we do. We will continue to serve our students to the fullest, and look forward to working with them to shape the future of our efforts.”
Through the grant, in addition to Keene State offices, Keene Police Department and MCVP: Crisis and Prevention Center will also have roles in further training and educating the campus community.
US Senator Jeanne Shaheen lauded Keene State’s efforts and underscored the importance of the grant to expand programs.
“Combating sexual assault on college campuses must be a top priority for every institution, which is why I’m very encouraged by Keene State’s leadership as they work to strengthen their response to violence and demonstrate a continued commitment to reduce domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking on campus,” said Senator Shaheen.
“The federal funds supporting this program are administered by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), which bolsters similar programing at other college campuses and local partners throughout our state and nation to keep women safe and help survivors. Boosting federal investments in the OVW is critical to ending sexual violence and providing survivors with assistance and refuge when they need it most. As the lead Democrat of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the OVW, securing the resources needed to provide programs and services to survivors will continue to be one of my top concerns in Congress.”
