Anna Cole, Daniel Montoya, and Katie Bogle, 2020 Hatfield Prize recipients, outside the U.S. Capitol building following a tour during their orientation in Washington D.C.
This press release originally appeared on the Center for Public Justice’s website on January 28, 2020.
The Center for Public Justice has announced the recipients of the 2020 Hatfield Prize. Anna Cole (Wheaton College ‘21), Katie Bogle (Dordt University, ‘21) and Daniel Montoya (Azusa Pacific University ‘20) have been awarded the Hatfield Prize from the Center for Public Justice (CPJ), a Christian civic education and public policy research organization based in Washington D.C. The Hatfield Prize, part of CPJ’s Shared Justice initiative, awards funding to three student-faculty pairs from Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) institutions to conduct research on social policies that impact the wellbeing of children, families, and communities.
"The Hatfield Prize is a unique opportunity for Christian college students and faculty advisors to integrate their faith with serious academic scholarship on timely public policy issues,” said Program Director and Editor of Shared Justice Katie Thompson. “This year's recipients care deeply about seeing children and families in their communities flourish, and the Center for Public Justice is honored to support the research of these bright students.”
Anna Cole (Wheaton College ‘21), a junior and a double major in music and international relations, will research predatory payday lending in DuPage County, Illinois. Her research will focus specifically on identifying models for responsible credit options that promote financial stability for families. Based upon her findings, Cole's report will make recommendations for government and civil society institutions in addressing predatory lending and promoting responsible alternatives. Cole will be advised by Wheaton College Assistant Professor of International Relations Dr. Timothy Taylor.
“I’m looking forward to getting a glimpse of the work that local non-profits, businesses, and churches are doing to provide real alternatives to payday loans and help people escape from debt cycles,” said Cole. “Through my research, I hope to draw attention to examples of sustainable, community-based alternatives to payday loans.”
Katie Bogle (Dordt University ‘21), a junior and double major in Spanish and social work with a minor in sociology, will research barriers to affordable child care for Hispanic families in Sioux Center, Iowa. The research will explore the unique cultural, economic, and geographic factors that contribute to families’ child care decisions and recommend how diverse child care settings can honor these preferences. Based upon findings, the report will make recommendations for government programs as well as faith-based and other child care providers. Bogle will be advised by Dordt University Professor of Social Work Dr. Abby Foreman.
“The lack of quality and affordable child care is a growing concern within the United States today,” said Bogle. “I hope that through this research, the various actors involved in this issue will recognize their part in addressing this problem, and families across the United States will begin to have access to quality, safe child care opportunities.
Daniel Montoya (Azusa Pacific University ‘20), a senior social work major, will research chronic homelessness among families with young children in Los Angeles County, California. Specifically the research will examine the effectiveness of the supportive housing model and make recommendations for how government and civil society institutions can best support families as they transition out of supportive housing and reintegrate into the community. Montoya will be advised by Azusa Pacific University Associate Professor of Social Work Dr. Anupama Jacob.
“Research shows that permanent supportive housing is an effective policy response in combating chronic homelessness and is known to increase housing stability and health improvements,” said Montoya. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to research and make specific recommendations for how various institutions can partner with government to support families experiencing chronic homelessness.”
Recipients will spend January to June conducting research and writing, and the reports will be available in September 2020. The Hatfield Prize is made possible through the generous support of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
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The Hatfield Prize awards funding annually to three student-faculty pairs from Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) institutions to conduct research on policies that impact vulnerable children, families, and communities. The Hatfield Prize is made possible through the generous support of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Shared Justice is the Center for Public Justice’s initiative for college students and young adults exploring the intersection of faith, politics, and public justice. Shared Justice provides Christian young adults with access to mentorship, a learning community, and a platform for practicing citizenship
The Center for Public Justice is an independent, nonpartisan organization devoted to policy research and civic education. Working outside the familiar categories of right and left, conservative and liberal, we seek to help citizens and public officeholders respond to God's call to do justice.