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.