Michigan State University senior Laura Swanson has received an $1,800 iAspire Grant, funds she will use to put on a series of workshops and panel discussions to call attention to the issue of sexual assault.
The grant is a national award for college students who are working to raise awareness of sexual violence on their campuses. Students can use the funds for programs, resources and other educational endeavors.
The iAspire Grant Initiative is a partnership between When Georgia Smiled: The Robin McGraw Revelation Foundation, Pivot TV and Students of the World.
Swanson was one of two college students to earn the grant this year.
A student in MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences, she also will appear on the nationally syndicated “Dr. Phil Show” to discuss her work related to sexual assault. The program is scheduled to air Monday, Dec. 15.
Swanson was one of several students who produced a documentary film titled “Every Two Minutes,” which featured the stories of sexual assault survivors. The film was highlighted during this year’s Traverse City Film Festival.
She also has been active in a number of campus and local organizations, including the MSU Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Team, was coordinator of the Lansing Take Back the Night event, and is an advocate for the Firecracker Foundation, an organization that helps sexually abused children.
For more information on the Aspire Grant Initiative, visit https://www.whengeorgiasmiled.org/iaspire/.