WASHINGTON — The Center for Public Justice has announced the recipients of the 2021 Hatfield Prize. Chenyu Lin (Colorado Christian University ‘23), Matthew Strong (Letourneau University, ‘23) and Seth Billingsley (John Brown University ‘21) have been awarded the Hatfield Prize from the Center for Public Justice (CPJ). CPJ is an independent, nonpartisan organization devoted to policy research and civic education based on Christian principles needed in a pluralistic society. 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 research social policies that impact the wellbeing of children, families, and communities.
“The Hatfield Prize presents an incredible opportunity for Christian college students and faculty advisors to integrate their faith with serious academic scholarship,” said Program Director and Editor of Shared Justice, Katie Thompson. “This year’s recipients will examine the impact of COVID-19 on communities hit hardest by the dual public health and economic crises, putting forth innovative public policy recommendations for communities navigating the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.”
Chenyu Lin (Colorado Christian University ‘23), a sophomore nursing major, will research how COVID-19 has exacerbated child health disparities in Denver, Colo. Lin will be advised by Colorado Christian University Assistant Professor of Biology Julie Woodman, Ph.D.
“The health care crisis in America, particularly its impact on children, is essential to research and address because it creates barriers to human flourishing, which we desire all children and families to experience.” said Lin. “Through my research, I hope to inspire community members, policymakers, leaders, and faith communities to take action to address children’s health disparities.”
Matthew Strong (LeTourneau University ‘23), a sophomore physics engineering major, will research the impact of COVID-19 on the foster care system in Longview, Texas. Strong will be advised by Letourneau University Assistant Professor of Political Science and Criminal Justice Mark G. Moland, DPA.
“While COVID-19 has complicated the lives of most Americans, the foster care system has faced some of the harshest setbacks, significantly impacting children and foster families,” said Strong. “My hope is that my research will contribute to families, houses of worship, faith-based organizations, universities, and governments advocating for the well-being of children in the foster care system, both during and after the pandemic.”
Seth Billingsley (John Brown University ‘21), a senior international business and political science major, will research food insecurity and the response of faith-based organizations and houses of worship in Northwest Arkansas. Billingsley will be advised by John Brown University Associate Professor of Political Science Daniel Bennett, Ph.D.
“Food insecurity in Northwest Arkansas did not begin with the COVID-19 pandemic; many families were already struggling with hunger long before the virus cost people their jobs and ability to consistently purchase food, ” said Billingsley. “Ultimately, my goal and hope for this project is rather simple: I want the Northwest Arkansas region to be more connected and more food-secure than it was before.”
Recipients will spend January to June conducting research and writing, and the reports will be published in September 2021. The Hatfield Prize is made possible through the generous support of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and The Annie E. Casey Foundation. To learn more about the Hatfield Prize, visit http://www.sharedjustice.org/hatfieldprize2021.
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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 research 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.