Chalkley-Fenn Public Policy Scholar

The Chalkley‐Fenn Public Policy Scholar Grant was established in 1990 to honor Gladys Branegan Chalkley, president and treasurer of AAFCS from 1940‐1942. Dr. Chalkley founded the Montana Affiliate of AAFCS, as well as the state’s dietetic association and its chapter of the American Association of University Women. The grant is also funded by a gift from the estate of Geraldine G. Fenn, a South Dakota native who was an Extension 4‐H Specialist in Montana. After retirement, Fenn spearheaded development of the Montana 4‐H Foundation for Montana and served as a youth advocate at state and national levels. Today, it is supported by donations from AAFCS members who believe in public policy and the utility of civic engagement. The Chalkley-Fenn Grant program is designed to:

 

  • Stimulate interest in public policy as it affects the family and consumer sciences profession.
  • Educate scholars in various aspects of policymaking and capitalize on their contributions to public policy.
  • Provide avenues for interaction with members of the U.S. Congress and leaders of various family and consumer sciences-related organizations.
  • Advance the strategic public policy work of AAFCS as well as build on the learning interests and capacity of the awardee.

2026 Grant Application Information

Applications Open: September 01, 2025

Applications Due: December 15, 2025

Guidelines

Application

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2025 Recipients

The project selected for funding in 2025 is “Empowering Students in Legislative Advocacy for Family and Consumer Sciences.”

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Glenda Lindsey

The project selected for funding in 2025 is “Empowering Students in Legislative Advocacy for Family and Consumer Sciences.”  The project director is Glenda Lindsey, Professor of Practice in Family and Consumer Sciences, from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. At the affiliate and local levels, she has been an active member of the Maryland Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (MAFCS). Dr. Lindsey has presented public policy issues relevant to the profession, such as food insecurity, child development policies, and the impact of legislation on FCS education and practice. Her leadership in public policy, including her role as Advocacy Coordinator for the Maryland affiliate, has allowed her to bridge the gap between policy and practice, empowering professionals and students to take an active role in legislative processes. Dr. Lindsey’s proposed project begins July 1 and is designed to engage students and alumni in the public policy process to:  

  • develop and implement a curriculum covering how bills are written and progress through the legislative process at local, state and national levels; 

  • address key Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) issues through policy advocacy; 

  • engage in direct legislative interactions and community outreach; and 

  • foster leadership and ambassadorship for Morgan State University.