University of Texas at Austin Offers Sabbaticals for Non-Profit Professionals

April 25, 2007

AUSTIN, Texas—The Humanities Institute at The University of Texas at Austin has announced applications are available for the 2007 Community Sabbatical Program, which provides paid flexible leave time for staff members of central Texas non-profit organizations.

The sabbatical program, in operation since 2005, gives participants the opportunity to research an issue or develop a new program related to their organization or its constituency. Successful applicants receive stipends of $2,500 to $5,000. Each grantee is matched with university faculty members who advise and collaborate on the proposed project.

"The direct involvement of university scholars in research relevant to non-profit community organizations opens up new ways for faculty to put their knowledge to use on behalf of central Texas communities," said Evan Carton, director of the Humanities Institute. "It's also a great opportunity for non-profit professionals to take time to reflect and return to their organizations with new insight into the programs they manage."

After completing the sabbatical, grantees submit a short report to their organization and the Humanities Institute. The 2006 recipients include: Julian Huerta, community services director of Foundation Communities; Lana Lesley, actor and business manager for Rude Mechs Theatre Collective; and Gail Rice, community advocacy director for SafePlace. 

"The sabbatical afforded me the wonderful opportunity to visit several homeless advocacy organizations in New York and Seattle, two cities that have been innovative in how they serve the homeless," Huerta said. "The strategies I learned have made a direct impact and improved the way Foundation Communities serves homeless families in Austin."

The deadline to submit applications for the 2007 award period is May 25. Interested applicants are invited to attend an information session Monday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Greenlights for Nonprofit Success, 1301 W. 25th St., Suite 400. For more information, visit the Community Sabbatical Program.

For more information contact: Katy Young, program coordinator, Humanities Institute, 512-471-2654; Jennifer McAndrew, public affairs specialist, College of Liberal Arts, 512-232-4730.