Chris Holman welcomes back Kim Bode, Principal, 8ThirtyFour Marketing, Grand Rapids, MI.

Watch Kim and Chris discuss the Capital Region International Airport and their range of flights available in the YouTube video shared below:

Their discussion focuses on the new Small Biz 4 Equality Scholarship
Kim, please remind our Michigan business community about 8ThirtyFour Marketing.
● Explain the application criteria for the scholarship?
● What does the scholarship provide?
● Why was the Small Biz 4 Equality scholarship established?
● What are the short-term and long-term goals of the Small Biz 4 Equality Scholarship?
● How can other businesses get involved? 

Kim’s team shared some further information about this scholarship.

Local Small Business Establishes Annual Scholarship for LGBTQIA+ Students and Allies at GVSU

Integrated communications agency, 8THIRTYFOUR established the Small Biz 4 Equality scholarship for LGBTQIA+ students and allies enrolled in Grand Valley State University’s School of Communications to provide equitable access to opportunities in and outside of the classroom. 

GRAND RAPIDS –  Local integrated communications agency, 8THIRTYFOUR is making strides towards creating a more inclusive workforce by relieving financial burdens for LGBTQIA+ students and allies enrolled in Grand Valley State University’s School of Communications. The Small Biz 4 Equality Scholarship sets out to encourage and assist these students with the cost of their education. Full-time GVSU students majoring in Advertising and Public Relations, Communications, Health Communications, and Multimedia Journalism are encouraged to apply by February 21, 2023 through ScholarshipUniverse with their student login. The $5,000 scholarship was established by 8THIRTYFOUR owner, Kim Bode who urges other businesses in the area to get involved. 

“The Small Business 4 Equality Scholarship was established to break down barriers blocking students from accessing educational and professional development opportunities in and outside of the classroom,” said Kim Bode, Principal of 8THIRTYFOUR. “This scholarship is specific to a community that I deeply care for and support, but often faces discrimination in the workplace. I sincerely hope the scholarship can provide the much-needed financial assistance to help these students complete their education and grow professionally.” 

A 2021 report titled LGBT People’s Experiences of Workplace Discrimination and Harassment by the Williams Institute at the University of California found that 46% of LGBTQIA+ employees have experienced unfair treatment at some point in their careers due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. An alarming 50% stated they are not comfortable being out to their employer. Findings such as these suggest that work needs to be done to uplift members of the LGBTQIA+ community to not only allow them to land new career opportunities but to encourage them to be their true selves once they get there. The 8THIRTYFOUR team hopes this scholarship can have a hand in doing that. 

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be:

• An undergraduate student enrolled in 12 credits or more at GVSU

• Enrolled in the School of Communications (Advertising and Public Relations, Communications, Health Communications, and Multimedia Journalism) 

• Making satisfactory academic progress 

Preference will be given to students who identify as LGBTQIA+ or demonstrate a passion for LGBTQIA+ advocacy. The scholarship can be awarded for a maximum of four academic years. 

“The Small Biz 4 Equality Scholarship aligns with the current efforts Grand Valley State University has been executing to ensure campus is a welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff members,” said Briette Bryant Phillips, Development Director for Grand Valley University Development. “Along with our programs and resources offered at the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center located on campus, this scholarship provides the necessary support for LGBTQIA+ students and allies during their educational journeys.”   

Other businesses can get involved by contacting the 8THIRTYFOUR team at news@8thirtyfour.com. Ongoing support will allow for the scholarship to continue evolving in the future. 

“I really hope that other businesses can join me in taking action by stepping forward financially to provide more opportunities for LGBTQIA+ students and allies,” said Bode. “I remember what it was like being a broke college student working several jobs to get by. I never got the ‘true’ college experience and I hope that this scholarship will give the necessary cushion so another student can.” 

Students can learn more and apply for the Small Biz 4 Equality Scholarship online after logging in with their GVSU student login at the upper-right corner of the page. The application deadline is February 21, 2023.

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About 8THIRTYFOUR: 8THIRTYFOUR is an award-winning integrated communications and marketing agency with a passion for serving the Grand Rapids community. Founded on a core value to work smarter not harder, 8THIRTYFOUR sets out to make marketing fun and purposeful. Its team has been creating, executing, and measuring communications plans for over 16 years while making it a priority to serve small businesses and nonprofits in the surrounding area. For more information, visit 8THIRTYFOUR’s website and follow them on social media (Instagram,Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn at @8THIRTYFOUR).

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