Franklin College recently received a grant that will help renovate and expand the college’s science facilities.
The $10,000 grant is from the Nicholas H. Noyes Jr. Memorial Foundation.
Expansion of the college’s science facilities at Barnes Hall will boost a new science curriculum that includes new technology, project-based learning, academic collaborations and freshman research opportunities.
“Science is one of our leading majors, and we’re focusing on learning science by doing science, so students have experience in research projects, internships and collaborations,” said Gail Lowry, vice president of development and student engagement.
The Barnes Hall project is estimated to cost $20 million. So far, the college has raised about $8 million, Lowry said. The college would like to raise about 75 percent of that cost before construction and renovations can begin, she said.
The Barnes Hall expansion is the second of a five-phase project. Other recently completed renovations on the campus include expansion and renovations of the football and soccer stadium in 2012 and tennis courts in 2013, which also were paid for through fundraising.
The college is raising money from alumni and other friends of the college for the capital projects but also continues to focus on raising money for student scholarships.
“Being able to help students finance college is paramount as well,” she said.
The Noyes foundation supports charitable organizations and educational institutions that serve the Indianapolis area in arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic and community service and religion. In 2008, the college received a $5,000 emergency grant from the foundation that paid to fix damage from flooding on campus.
