Project IMPACT

Student programs to help you thrive

The Project IMPACT suite of programs is open to first-generation, Pell-eligible, and all other students who are in-state or eligible for approved in-state tuition waivers, including the Missouri Match and Wildcat Nonresident Award.

Students who are applying through one of these tuition waiver programs should first complete their waiver application. Once the waiver has been processed and approved, they will be able to complete the MAPS/Kompass application form.

In addition, students can support Project IMPACT by applying to be a Peer Mentor. Peer mentors serve as guides and role models during the MAPS and Kompass Summer Bridge programs.

Apply for the 2026 MAPS and Kompass Summer Bridge Programs!

Incoming K-State students can apply for the MAPS and Kompass Summer Bridge programs through May 18!

MAPS Summer Bridge Program

Apply now

Kompass Summer Bridge Program

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Now accepting Peer Mentor applications!

Interested in supporting Project IMPACT? Apply to be a Peer Mentor today. Peer Mentors help serve as guides and role models to our MAPS & Kompass Summer Bridge program students.

Apply to be a Peer Mentor

Programs

Student Belonging has a program for everyone--beginning with 7th grade classes!

Programs for 7th-12th grade students

College for a Day

College for a Day logo

A program for students 7th-12th grades designed to expose students to university life through workshops and panel discussions on university life, college processes, resources, academic disciplines, and career development.

Looking to bring your class/group to campus? Email us today to set up your visit.

Relationship Recruiting

Relationship Recruitment logo

A program of enhanced, personalized recruiting activities through high school student leadership conferences. The goal is to bring as many high school students from across the state of Kansas to Kansas State University and further develop your leadership, self-efficacy and intention to go to college.

Interested in coming to campus for an individualized visit? Email us today to set up your visit.

Urban Gardening

The Project IMPACT Urban Gardening for a Better Future program is part of the best practice pipeline for at-risk youth. Our goal is to teach youth about public health issues, healthy eating habits and self sustainability in their communities though different types of urban agriculture. During the program students will get to learn about the college going experience from our K-State peer mentors. We will also help students create their own community garden or learn how to pot plants and take one home to grow and nurture.

Wanting to get your class or group involved? Email us today to set up your program.

Programs for incoming K-State students

MAPS Summer Bridge Program

May 29, 2026 - June 12, 2026

A free two-week summer bridge program that will prepare incoming first-generation, multicultural, or FAFSA eligible students for the academic rigor of the university environment. Information is provided to familiarize freshmen with the K-State campus and introduce campus services. The opportunity to connect summer bridge program participants to multicultural student leaders, multicultural student organizations, Student Belonging office and other established programs at K-State designed to support their success. Students experience industry tours and meet professionals and faculty who can serve as mentors through their college careers.

More information

KOMPASS logo

KOMPASS

August 16, 2026 - August 19, 2026

A free three-day extended summer orientation and freshman-year retention program designed to accelerate academic success for incoming freshmen multicultural, first generation, or FAFSA eligible students in Arts and Sciences, Agriculture, Business, Engineering, Education, Health and Human Sciences, and Architecture, Planning, & Design.

Learn more

Cargill Transfer Scholarship

K-State Student Belonging & Cargill have partnered to build a college-going intent program in Southwest Kansas. The Cargill transfer scholarship is intended for financial support to increase academic success for students. The scholarship supports the students of Cargill employees as well as first generation, students attending Dodge City High or Dodge City Community College.

Children of Cargill Employees who attend DCHS or DCCC and then transfer to Kansas State University enrolled (enrolled in the College of Agriculture, College of Business Administration, or College of Engineering) are encouraged to apply.

Project IMPACT Scholarships

Merit and need-based scholarships are available. The recipients of these scholarships are open to all students and first-generation and Pell-eligibile undergraduate students who are seeking admission or who are properly enrolled in the College of Agriculture, College of Business Administration, or the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering at Kansas State University.

Additional Scholarships are available by visiting the Student Belonging Scholarship page. Contact Student Belonging for more information.