Welcome to the GCCI Connect, a YCP newsletter that spotlights and promotes interdisciplinary and cross-sector partnerships, creativity, research, and service.

York College of Pennsylvania students collaborated to transform cultural research and classroom learning into an immersive, shared culinary event. The dinner was part of a partnership between YCP’s Spanish program and the Hospitality and Tourism Management program. Read more!

In Spring 2025, when Drs. Tamara Sniad and Mohammed Raja first connected with the leadership at Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) in Brazil to explore a global learning partnership, they had a good feeling it could be the start of something special. Planned for Summer 2026, Graham Fellows will have a unique opportunity to connect with peers across the world, taking part in workshops, visiting local industries, and pitching their own project and business ideas for feedback.  Read more!

Jessica Huntley’s trailblazing spirit earned her the inaugural BSN Sports Innovator of the Year Award. She is the first commissioner of the intercollegiate sports Atlantic East Conference, the first to bring flag football to the conference, and in 2025, she received the first BSN Sports Innovator of the Year Award, sponsored by BSN Sports, the apparel and equipment distributor. Read more!

YCP Fall Senior Graphic Design Exhibition

December 5-17

DeMeester Recital Hall and Brossman Gallery at Evelyn and Earle Wolf Hall

Join the seniors of the BFA in the Graphic Design program for an exhibition showcasing their journeys over the years. Explore the challenges they faced and the work that is yet to come. 

 

YCPeaces 

December 6, 7:30 pm, Perko Black Box

Join the Weary Arts Group at this free show for a night of scenes and selections promoting peace, love, happiness, and art.

The York College Choirs and Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert

December 7, 3:00 pm

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Join the York College Department of Visual and Performing Arts for a Holiday Concert at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 7, at 3:00pm. This beautiful venue is within walking distance of campus, on the corner of Springettsbury Avenue and George Street in York.

 

YCP ESports: The Battle of the Atlantic

December 10, 1:00 PM

Twitch channel (twitch.tv/ycpesports)

Don’t miss your chance to watch York College make esports history!  The Spartans will take on York College in the United Kingdom in the inaugural Battle of the Atlantic Rocket League Showdown . This international matchup brings together high-speed gameplay, global collaboration, and the competitive spirit that defines YCP Esports. The entire event will be streamed live! 

 

Share an Ode to Healthy Futures

Submission Due by December 15

Pulitzer Center

This poetry project invites you to make connections to the science that shapes our lives, and to share your vision for a healthy future. Read a story, write a poem, share your experience.

Graham Center for Collaborative Innovation (GCCI) Grants Program -  Open Application

The Graham Center for Collaborative Innovation (GCCI) Grants Program is deeply committed to bridging the gap between education and community. Designed to promote interdisciplinary partnerships, this grant supports those who wish to work with others to integrate their areas of expertise into the local community. 

College Scholarship for Adult Learners: York Rotary

Apply by March 15

This scholarship supports non-traditional adult learners who did not enter post-secondary education immediately after high school. 

 

Ben Franklin Partners (BFTDA) Challenge Grant

Apply by December 31

Run by the Department of Community & Economic Development, this grant provides access to capital for businesses by supporting the development of new technologies to benefit future generations, the community, and the environment.

 

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund

Rolling Application Deadlines: Jan 22 - April 23 - July 23

This fund looks to create connections between disconnected fields in order to change the course of climate change’s impact on human health. Early-stage grants dedicated to supporting this cause can earn anywhere from $2,500–$50,000.

Community Collaboration Challenge

Apply by January 16

This award seeks to foster collaboration in the form of K-12 support, such as high-impact tutoring, mentoring, and coaching. Communities can be awarded anywhere between $5,000–$10,000. 

 

Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood

LOI Deadline January 31

The Caplan Foundation aims to support projects and fund grants that improve the welfare of young children, from infancy through age 7, in the United States. Projects should have potential national application.

 

Small Business Advantage Grant

Apply by March 16

Businesses with 100 employees or fewer that demonstrate a commitment to energy efficiency, pollution prevention, or natural resource protection projects can apply for funding.

Become a GCCI Grant Reviewer

No prior grant experience? No problem! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the grant process, build connections, and support the forward-thinking work happening at YCP.

The Power of Stories – December 18

Virtual Event

Meet talented authors creating stories that matter! Join National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) for an interactive conversation with writers who are inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and helping the next generation envision themselves in STEM.

 

Purpose Driven Teaching & Learning: A Workshop for Educators - January 9

Holy Family University, Philadelphia, PA

This workshop explores how purpose-driven teaching can encourage complex thinking and transdisciplinary learning in students. Through multidisciplinary teams, instructors will begin to create meaningful learning activities that can serve as the foundation for better education. 

 

Winter ‘26 Institute on Teaching Social Action

January 9-11

Virtual Institute

This three-day institute is designed to help faculty and teaching staff implement experimental social action campaigns into their courses and workshops. This learning model has students engage in a social action of their choosing over the course of the semester. 

 

PHENND Conference: Democracy at the Crossroads: Higher Education’s Call to Action Proposal Deadline:  January 9, 2026

La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA

Call for proposals! Workshops and presentations related to campus-community partnerships; collaborations between higher education and other sectors; and/or innovative approaches or best practices around policy issues.

 

Smithsonian Science Education Leadership Summit - March 27-29

Philadelphia, PA

The Smithsonian Science Education Center hosts an annual Science Education Leadership Summit to engage school, district, or state leadership teams throughout the US who seek to address problems of practice related to the recruitment and retention of skilled STEM educators in the K-12 classrooms. 

 

2026 PA EmpowerU Spring Convening Proposal Deadline: February 6, 2026

Best Western Premiere, Harrisburg, PA

Now combined with the PA Empower U initiative, the annual It’s On Us convening welcomes grant recipients, students, and leaders for a chance to network and engage in discussions.

The Economic Impact of Higher Education in America

Launched by the American Council on Education, this interactive map shows how colleges and universities contribute economic impacts, growth, and opportunities in each state.

 

PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executives

Brought to you by WITF and PNC, this podcast offers resources from C-level executives on relevant business topics. Gain insight into forward-thinking trends in leadership and entrepreneurship with industry leaders such as Shila Ulrich, Luke Berstein, and more.

 

The Power of Young People Podcast

Hosted by Operation Grow, this podcast aims to create a space for young people’s voices to be heard while also empowering them to stand up for their future.

 

Role Model Strategies: Encouraging Youth to Consider STEM Careers

This resource helps educators introduce STEM careers to youth, giving tips, tricks, and strategies to do so effectively.

 

STEM Education Trends: Preparing Students for the Future Workforce

“What does it take to prepare students for a world that’s constantly innovating?” This article explores trends in STEM and their impact on the future of learning, helping students to prepare for their time in the workforce.

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