For many college students, a good grade on a project is its own reward.

But Terri Emory wanted more.

When she took a grant-writing class at La Roche College in the fall, she wanted to write a grant proposal for a nonprofit agency that not only would earn her an A but also would result in a grant for the agency.

She succeeded at both.

Ms. Emory, 51, of Shaler, recently learned that a proposal she researched and wrote has earned $5,000 for Community Auto of North Hills Community Outreach. The money will be used to buy child car seats.

"I was on top of the world when I found out," she said.

Ms. Emory chose the North Hills social service agency because it had influenced her decision to major in human services when she returned to college.

After a divorce, Ms. Emory decided she needed to expand her social circle, so she started volunteering at the North Hills Community Outreach's Millvale location.

"I had been married over 20 years and needed to get back into my own life. It was about the same time that [Hurricane] Ivan hit and people really needed help," she said. The remnants of the hurricane swept through the area in September 2004.

Ms. Emory knew she wanted to go back to college, but she wasn't sure what she would study. While volunteering, she saw a case worker helping people.

"I thought, 'That is something that I would really like to do,' " she said.

She enrolled at the North Campus of Community College of Allegheny County in McCandless and then continued her studies at La Roche, also in McCandless.

Ms. Emory decided to take the grant-writing course because she thought it would help her find work in human services.

"I realized that when you work in a nonprofit, you have to get money to continue your services," she said.

When she asked Fay Morgan, executive director of North Hills Community Outreach, to identify a need of the agency for her grant-writing project, Ms. Morgan told her car seats, Ms. Emory said. Her research led her to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, which provides funding for child safety seats. "I just picked up the phone and called them. They were so helpful," she said.

Ms. Emory wrote the proposal; Mrs. Morgan submitted it. "They asked us a few questions," Mrs. Morgan said. "Then I e-mailed them later and found out we were funded."

The money will be used to provide car seats for families who buy cars through the Community Auto program. "We sell the cars way below market value to low-income workers. Many of them can't afford car seats, so this will be a huge help," Mrs. Morgan said.

She estimates the grant will provide about 100 car seats over a yearlong period.

Ms. Emory will be recognized for her efforts April 18 at the Dedication to Service open house to celebrate the merger of North Hills Community Outreach and Community Auto, Mrs. Morgan said.

"She did all of the work. She researched funders and wrote the proposal. The fact that she called and made the connection -- that is how programs get funded," Mrs. Morgan said.

A mother of three children, Ms. Emory recognizes the importance of child safety.

"I was fortunate enough to be able to afford car seats when my children were little. It may not seem like a big deal to buy one, but when you are unemployed or struggling and paying all of your bills, it is a big thing," she said.

"I was bound and determined to find money for these children," she added.

She is gaining experience in grant research and writing through an internship at Focus on Renewal in McKees Rocks.

Ms. Emory will graduate in May, and is looking for a job.

"I'm leaning toward working with families or single women in crisis," she said. "I know I can do a good deal in this field."

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