Online and Hybrid Learning Capacity Building Grant

Online and Hybrid Learning Capacity Building Grant

Funder: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

Award Amount: $400,000

Duration: Three-year period

Award Date: November 2020

Recipient: The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology

Purpose

Enables the school to build infrastructure and capacity to offer online and hybrid graduate programs, moving toward becoming a national institution while maintaining local and regional presence.

Focus Areas

• Support faculty and staff in creating hybrid learning spaces
• Build long-term sustainability through increased student accessibility
• Develop low-residency graduate programs, certificate programs, and other training opportunities
• Reimagine theological education for online spaces while maintaining relational mission
• Increase personnel needed for effective online delivery
• Expand capacity for quality online learning experiences

Context

Prior to COVID-19 pandemic, the school had been exploring online and hybrid offerings for learners unable to be physically present. The grant accelerates this transition. Larger numbers of students in 2020 cohort are from out of state or out of country, necessitating accessible course offerings.

About the Funder

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is known regionally and nationally as a rigorous and thoughtful grantor. The trust's grant represents a vote of confidence in the school's vision and leadership.