Posted on August 30, 2012

Bush Foundation Names Second Group of 2012 Bush Fellows

The Bush Foundation in St. Paul has announced the second cohort of Bush Fellows for 2012.

The eleven community activists from Minnesota and South Dakota will receive two-year grants ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 through the foundation's Bush Fellows Program to pursue sustainable solutions to specific social or economic problems in their communities. Issues to be addressed by the fellows include creating sustainable food systems, promoting economic development in rural and urban areas, improving science education, changing perceptions of graffiti art, improving outcomes for children by effectively addressing trauma, creating opportunities for youth engagement, developing nonprofits that are reflective of and responsive to the needs of the Muslim community, and intervening in and preventing sex trafficking.

The first cohort of 2012 Bush Fellows was announced in June, after the program was redesigned to include multiple application periods over the course of the year. The third cohort of 2012 fellows will be announced in October. Applications for the fourth round, which is open exclusively to elected and public officials, are due November 20, 2012, with fellowship recipients to be announced in February 2013.

"The Bush Foundation has a long and proud history of supporting individuals in their personal development so they can more effectively engage with others and bring their ideas for community vitality to fruition," said Martha Lee, manager of the Bush Fellowship Program. "Just like the fellows we announced in June, these newest fellows aren't deterred by conflict or risk; they're willing to take on tough, complex problems in their communities and are committed to making them better places for everyone."