Dreaming by Degrees: An Open Source Podcast for First-Year Students
Minnesota State University, Mankato and Century College
Background
In an effort to improve the retention and success of first-year college students, a team of diverse college students are trained in the art of audio storytelling and co-produce podcast episodes designed to make visible the hidden dimensions and potential barriers of college. Episodes are designed to connect directly to the experiences of students who may initially feel disoriented or out-of-place: first-generation students, working-class students, students of color, LGBTQ students, and non-traditional students.
Sustaining funding for this project is helping introduce the podcast to more campuses in Minnesota State.
Type of Grant Received through Minnesota State Innovation Funding
Large Seed Grant - $22,220
Sustaining Funding Grant - $10,000
- Listen to the podcast – SoundCloud | Apple Podcasts
- Podcast Series Aims to Help Incoming, First-Generation and First-Year College Students – Minnesota State University, Mankato
- New Minnesota-made podcast offers student advice on college survival – Star Tribune
Minnesota State faculty, staff, and administrators interested in applying for an innovation funding grant can visit the Innovation Funding SharePoint (log in using StarID@MinnState.edu) to find more information and applications.