UML Student Powers Fundraising at Refuge with Grant Writing Internship

We are proud to highlight the impactful summer internship of UMass Lowell nursing major Emerson Tully, who supported Refuge Art School as a grant writer. Originally a one-semester opportunity funded by a $2,500 grant from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation, Emerson chose to extend her internship into the summer. She secured additional funding through the Moloney Student Scholar Program, allowing her to continue contributing to our mission.

Emerson dedicated 10 hours per week; she researched funders and drafted grant proposals. Her efforts helped Refuge secure over $45,000 in funding from about a dozen grant sources during the spring semester.

Reflecting on her experience, Emerson shared, “Once you go to Refuge, you can’t leave. Coming to Refuge was probably my favorite part of the week.” Her dedication continued even after the internship formally ended.

This partnership underscores the power of career-connected learning. UML students gain real-world skills, while our organization gains critical capacity. We are grateful for Emerson’s commitment, her storytelling through grant writing, and the growth this collaboration has fostered.