Martin Luther King Junior Day of Service
Partnering with Manhattan’s Martin Luther King Jr. Community Committee, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is celebrated on the third Monday of every January. In conjunction with a day-long agenda of activities at the Manhattan Town Center Mall, students and community members work to “Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off!” participating in various service projects around Manhattan in order to honor the memory of Dr. King.
Community Service Week
Occurring in late October, Community Service Week is designed to offer fall semester service-learning opportunities to K-State students. The K-State Volunteer Center partners with local nonprofits to provide opportunities for service throughout the week. Community Service Week originally began over 8 years ago involving only freshman students enrolled in a University Experience class. With the creation of the Volunteer Center, opportunities have been expanded to others on campus and in the community.
Academic Mentoring
Academic Mentoring, formerly known as America Reads*America Counts, has been in the Riley County community for 13 years. Last year, the program’s name changed to Academic Mentoring to better express the true intention and nature of the services provided. Through this program, K-State students are placed in local schools and organizations to help promote and support family literacy efforts and youth-related programming throughout our community. K-State students serve as mentors who work with area youth to provide academic assistance as well as motivation and support.
Who and where do we mentor?
Mentors will be matched with a placement site based upon availability and which age group and setting the Mentor feels most comfortable. Currently Academic Mentoring has 8 placement sites in the Riley County community: Beach Museum of Art, Boys & Girls Club, College Hill Preschool, Hand to Hand program at Douglass Center, K-State Child Development Center, Lee School, Manhattan Catholic School, and St. George Elementary.
What are the program requirements?
• Serve a minimum of ten hours per week at an assigned site
• Help design, plan, and implement a service project with guidance from program staff
• Attend reflection meetings every two weeks
• Record and submit activity information and logged hours
• Be responsible, reliable, and a positive role model
• Have a true interest in assisting youth with their school work and skills
What's the benefit to me?
Students eligible for Federal Work Study may receive an hourly wage for their time. Students not eligible for Federal Work Study may receive a scholarship at the end of each semester of participation. Students may also choose to participate in the AmeriCorps Career for the Common Good program and receive a $1000 education award after completing 300 hours of service. In addition, K-State students:
• Acquire skills and knowledge in specified areas such as youth development & family literacy
• Gain access to professional development, networking, and training opportunities
• Serve as a role model to youth in the community
• Personal fulfillment through participation in national and community service
How do I become a mentor?
Applications are accepted at any time, but the application process, including hiring, does not begin until March-August for the Fall semester and November-January for the Spring semester. To apply, complete the Academic Mentoring Application and return to Civic Leadership located in the Foundation Center at 2323 Anderson Ave, Ste 125. As a part of the application process, there is a brief personal interview. If you have any further questions feel free to contact Academic Mentoring program staff at userve@k-state.edu or (785) 532-3650.