Dr. Erin Dupuis, Assistant Professor of Psychology, was recently awarded a $19,000 grant from the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. The grant money will be used to purchase computer equipment for an on-going partnership with the Ozanam Inn of New Orleans. Dr. Dupuis and Senior Psychology Major, Corey Phillips, are investigating how computer literacy affects perceptions of control. The program provides men at the Inn with basic computer instruction in addition to building skills with software such as Microsoft Word and Excel. Participants also learn how to search for employment and housing online and to create a resume. This work will be expanded in the future to include a partnership with the Office of Service Learning, Bogg's Literacy Center, and Mission & Ministry.

According to grant guidelines, the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation's purpose, "is to improve the quality of life in the areas where our employees live and work and to continue to support local organizations focused on education, the environment, and social welfare."