Kellogg Community College today announces the launch of a major initiative to promote racial equity and the removal of systemic barriers for vulnerable children in the Battle Creek area by creating an infrastructure to foster the capacity of community members to change local conditions and mindsets.
The newly created Kellogg Community College Center for Diversity and Innovation (KCCCDI), operating under the auspices of KCC’s Student and Community Services division, is funded by a three-year, $2.1 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek.
“As a member of this community and an organization committed to educating and innovating, KCC is committed to supporting the people of Battle Creek in the community’s pursuit of equity, leadership and engagement,” said Dr. Dennis Bona, president of KCC.
Goals of the KCCCDI include the development of a sustainable infrastructure that supports effective, cost-efficient programming via ongoing initiatives, including learning labs provided by White Men as Full Diversity Partners and Coaching for Community Transformation.
Other goals and actions of the KCCCDI will include:
- Generating knowledge and developing frameworks that advance the fields of racial equity and community change.
- Inspiring diverse community members and leaders to care more, engage more and risk more on behalf of making Battle Creek a more equitable place for residents.
- Providing learning opportunities and support for leaders on how to engage more effectively and equitably.
- Connecting participants with strong networks oriented toward improving the leadership and equity of our community.
- Actively learning about other diversity and inclusion training models and offering customized workshops and presentations locally.
- Advocating in support of leaders of color and promoting diverse and equitable community leadership and systems.
“We have designed the KCCCDI to contribute toward the goals of increasing diversity among Battle Creek’s leaders, increasing community awareness of racial equity and connecting our participants with opportunities to make substantive impacts on racial equity for vulnerable children,” Bona said. “With the support of the Kellogg Foundation and the capacity we have already at KCC, we believe the KCCCDI will instigate tremendously positive change in the Battle Creek area.”
KCC will soon start accepting applications for the position of KCCCDI Director with the intention of filling the position by mid-May.
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