Osseo International Service Program Wins Award
The Students Connecting through International Service Program pairs up fifth grade students from six Osseo elementary schools to raise money and purchase school supplies for students in Sasabe, Mexico. The University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs gave the school a Local Government Innovation Award and a grant in December.
Tammie Epley, a former Osseo School Board member, started the program in 2006. Students learn about another culture, but they also get to work on skills. They use public speaking skills and writing skills as they solicit donations. Then, students work on those skills again as they return home from delivering supplies to Mexico. They tell students, community partners and school board members about their trip. Epley says principals at the elementary schools play a big role in making the program successful.
The Local Government Innovation Award (LGIA) is given by the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The program has been handing out awards for 12 years in partnership with the Bush Foundation and a variety of civic co-sponsors. Winners receive recognition and a $5,000 grant.
