Kathryn Benson Accepts Foundation Fellowship

SPOKANE, Wash. — Kathryn Benson, who graduated from Gonzaga University on May 12 with bachelor's degrees in economics, Spanish, and international studies-Latin American studies, has accepted a competitive two-year fellowship at El Pomar Foundation, a grant-making organization in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Benson, from Colorado Springs, will assist the foundation in the grant-making process, connect with regional councils of nonprofit leaders around the state, participate in the foundation’s outreach programs, attend leadership development courses and seminars, and assume director roles during the second year.

Last summer, Benson served as a communication intern at the foundation, which seeks to advance young professionals through its premier leadership development program.

“This fellowship is incredibly reflective of where I see my career heading in the future and is really the best fit for me personally and professionally,” Benson said.

In the future, Benson hopes to pursue a doctoral degree and work at an education nonprofit or think tank and potentially influence educational policy. Her research interests include the economics of education, experiential learning, and closing the skills gap between academia and industry. She also has interest in working as a university professor or administrator.