The Institute for Women's and Gender Studies supports student research in a number of ways, including assistance with internships, mentoring CURO and other research projects, and sponsoring our annual Student Research Symposium. In addition, we are also able to offer occasional mini-grants for student-led projects through the programs listed below: Heather Kleiner Fund for Experiential Learning This fund, endowed by our inaugural Associate Director, Heather Kleiner, supports students engaged in experiential learning, which UGA defines as "the development of knowledge, skills, abilities, values, behaviors and attitudes through first-hand experiences outside of the traditional classroom." This can include a broad range of activities, including internships, conferences, research travel, and study abroad. Projects in Black Women's Studies Through a generous donation from emerita professor Dr. Patricia Bell-Scott, WGS funds projects that draw on or contribute to Black Women's Studies. Past projects have included book clubs, 'zines, conference presentations, journal articles, community outreach, and public art. WAGG (Women and Girls in Georgia) The biennial Women and Girls in Georgia Conference was established in 2007, to encourage and highlight research by, for, and about women and girls in Georgia, in all their diversity. In odd-numbered years, WGS accepts proposals from faculty and graduate students around GA doing work related to the theme of the upcoming conference, and funds a select number of the proposals. In even-numbered years, WGS hosts a day-long gathering of the funded researchers to share the work they have done over the past year. The WAGG conference brings together academics, activists, and community members to share expertise, strengthen networks, and strategize for positive social change in Georgia and beyond. Mellon Building Intersectional Southern Futures (no longer accepting applications) In 2023, WGS was awarded an Affirming Multivocal Humanities grant from the Mellon Foundation, which funded projects related to the theme of Building Intersectional Southern Futures through 2026. This program is no longer accepting proposals, but you can see a sampling of the projects that were funded HERE.
