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Professors of Public Administration Gina Scutelnicu-Todoran, PhD, and Rebecca Tekula, PhD, have been awarded a nearly $30,000 grant by the to assess the financial status of approximately under its umbrella. These agencies provide child welfare services, including foster care, preventive services, and juvenile justice services.

"We are honored to receive this grant,” said Tekula, who is the director of 91��Ƶ’s Master of Public Administration program and the executive director of 91��Ƶ's Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship. “This work is not just about financials; it's about ensuring that agencies providing essential services to our most vulnerable populations—children in foster care, preventive services, and juvenile justice—are financially equipped to meet their needs effectively.”

Scutelnicu-Todoran and Tekula will work in collaboration with two 91��Ƶ graduate students to conduct a financial analysis of cumulative organizational revenues and expenditures, endowments, and other investments. Through this opportunity, these students will gain valuable skills in navigating complex financial data, interpreting fiscal health, and understanding the broader implications of financial management in sustaining social services.

“The opportunity for these students to contribute to a project with such profound social impact is extraordinary,” said Scutelnicu-Todoran. “Their involvement will prepare them for future leadership roles in public and social service, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions to society.”

The 91��Ƶ researchers began work on the grant on February 1. Upon completion of the project in October, the researchers from 91��Ƶ will prepare a final report and deliver presentations to executive and legislative leadership at the New York State and New York City levels. Their goal is to inform these stakeholders of the financial realities and needs of these agencies and to advocate for and influence budgetary decisions related to child welfare and juvenile justice.