Michigan Campus Compact awarded MSU geography Professor Assefa Mehretu the 24th Venture Grant Cycle for his Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science Service-Learning Project.

The grant is worth $2,500, and will benefit over 500 students this semester in the program.

Mehretu, director of the Center for Integrative Studies in Social Studies, plans to use the grant to integrate service-learning into his courses and curriculum.

“We try to translate what they learn in class and use it in the community to work with area schools,” Mehretu said.

He said this is the second time the department has won this award.

“(The grant) is very critical to our program,” he said. “Without it we wouldn’t be able to run the program.”

Amanda Schafer, assistant director for Michigan Campus Compact, said the grant was well deserved and hopes it will help the program continue to improve.

She said the MSU professor is one of five award recipients. Other grants were awarded to Alma College, Madonna University and Kirtland Community College.

Michigan Campus Compact awards Venture Grants to individuals or groups from member institutions to encourage the development of innovative public and community service projects.

The organization is a state-level nonprofit organization that promotes education and commitment of Michigan college students to be engaged citizens by creating and expanding academic opportunities for community service-learning, community service and civic engagement.

“We intend to continue to look for more grants to be able to improve and expand the program,” Mehretu said. “Our problem is we have more students interested than we can manage.”

Students interested in the program can visit the Service-Learning Center or call (517)353-4400.