UW–Madison Extension is excited to announce the 10 projects selected to receive the 2024 Wisconsin Idea Collaboration (WIC) Grants. This year’s projects engage nine UW schools and colleges. Research topics include the economic benefits of broadband, water quality, PFAS and more. WIC Grants is a collaboration of Extension and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.
“Extension is a bridge between the cutting-edge research here at UW–Madison and the people, farms, businesses, nonprofits, tribes and governments across the state. Connecting the campus to communities is an important component of Extension’s mission, and we are using the Wisconsin Idea Collaboration Grants as a way to spur new connections, new findings and new solutions for communities all over Wisconsin,” Karl Martin, dean and director of Extension, said.
Now in its third year, WIC Grants invests in the Wisconsin Idea by encouraging UW–Madison faculty and staff who have not historically partnered with Extension to engage in applied research and outreach. Continue reading to learn more about the selected projects.
A Remedy for Polarization? Evaluating Citizen Conversations across Political Difference Susan Webb Yackee (Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs), Benoy Jacob (Extension)
Polarization has risen sharply since the 1980s, and many Americans feel animosity toward those with different political views. This proposal will bring a first-of-its-kind study to assess remedies for polarization.
Linking College-Based Substance Use Experiences in Daily Life to Later Young-Adult Health and Social Outcomes: Implications for Research and Outreach Lauren M. Papp (School of Human Ecology)
Substance misuse has major public health impacts, to which young adults are especially vulnerable. This project will collect data to inform an evidence-based approach to reducing substance use during a critical but often overlooked developmental period — early adulthood.
Developing Trauma-Informed Rent Smart Programming for Domestic Violence Survivors Mariel Barnes (Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs), Jackie Carattini (Extension)
Stable housing remains a barrier for survivors of domestic violence. Extension’s Rent Smart Program teaches participants the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful renting experience, and this project will build upon that programming to address the unique challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence.
Amigos de los Anfibios: Engaging with Spanish-Speaking Families to Understand Threats to Wisconsin’s Freshwater Resources and Amphibian Communities Jessica Hua, David Drake (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences)
Wisconsin’s freshwater resources are critically important and face diverse challenges, which citizen science initiatives can help address. This project will develop outreach materials for Spanish-speaking residents to participate in research and outreach activities. Ultimately, this project’s aim is to make science more accessible by addressing language barriers.
Click here to read more wisc.edu
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Categories: Wisconsin, Education, Rural Lifestyle