Beyond the Classroom

We support learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. Students are availed the opportunity to explore credit bearing internships, community service, and other extended learning opportunities, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.

See how students are engaging and learning with communities:

(i)The College of Veterinary Medicine shelter medicine program is the foundation for the Mobile Surgery Unit. Shelter medicine is a veterinary medicine specialty that provides care to homeless animals in shelters or other animal welfare organizations. The purpose of the Mobile Surgery Unit is to educate students while also providing community outreach and service — both key K-State focus as a land-grant university. Fourth-year students go on two-week rotations to organizations, such as animal shelters, and provide free spay/neuter procedures and medical triage. Learn more https://www.k-state.edu/research/about/seek/spring-2021/veterinary-medicine-program-helps-communities.html

(ii)Net Positive Studio is a multiyear effort, in which fourth-year Masters in Architecture students at K-State will partner with community development organizations. The studio intends to demonstrate the broad tenants of sustainability in this engaged project: energy and environmental conservation, economic tenability for the target community, and positive social impact by providing safe, high-quality, and high-functioning housing to low-income households. Learn more http://www.kcdesigncenter.org/michael-gibson-net-positive-studio

(iii)Academic Mentors is a program of HandsOn Kansas State focused on the academic success of youth in the Greater Manhattan community. K-State students eligible for Federal Work-Study are placed in school and community programs that promote and support teachers, staff, volunteers and parents to enhance and support academic skills, family literacy and positive youth development. Learn more https://www.k-state.edu/leadership/studentsuccess/academicmentors/

(iv)Alternative Breaks is an opportunity for K-State students to participate in an intensive service experience during the winter, spring, and weekend breaks. Students are availed the opportunity to travel to sites around the midwest, working with local residents to learn how communities are addressing pressing social issues. Breaks are open to K-State undergraduate, graduate, and international students, and are challenged to prepare, act, reflect, and evaluate service experience. This approach to service is more than volunteering, as it affords students better understanding of community impact, while building personal leadership practice. Learn more https://www.k-state.edu/leadership/studentsuccess/altbreaks/

(v) Engineering Leadership and Innovation Program In association with the Staley School of Leadership, prepares exceptional engineering students for leadership roles in diverse and inclusive organizations that flourish in a dynamic business environment operating under complex social, cultural, ethical, political, economic, business and engineering factors. Learn more https://engg.k-state.edu/student-success/eli/

(vi) The Food Security Scholars (FSS) is a collaborative leadership development program for K-State students who are passionate about addressing food insecurity and the poverty cycle. Empowering scholars by fostering curiosity and community to make progress toward a food secure world. Housed in the Staley School of Leadership, FSS is a two-phase program where a cohort of scholars undergo a variety of experiences in food security . Learn more https://www.k-state.edu/leadership/studentsuccess/foodsecurityscholars.html

(vii) Graduate Student Leadership Development Program (GSLDP) provides K-State graduate students an opportunity to develop leadership skills to make positive change in their work, studies, and student organizations. Through this semester-long experience, students work with Staley School of Leadership faculty and peers to move beyond technical expertise to solve problems and dive into challenges that are most important to them. Learn more https://www.k-state.edu/grad/student-success/professional-development/leadershipdevelopmentprogram.html

(viii) HandsOn Kansas State promotes civic learning and leadership through meaningful volunteer and service opportunities between campus and community. We strive to develop socially-responsible citizens, knowledgeably equipped for active participation. HandsOn Kansas State is an all-in resource for K-State students and students groups wanting to serve and get involved in the Manhattan community. Learn more https://www.k-state.edu/leadership/studentsuccess/handson/

(ix) Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellows is a year-long program for students entering into their final year at Kansas State University. Students are selected each spring to deepen their knowledge of leadership, connect with mentors to explore the transition from student to professional life, elevate their passion for service, and experience real-world opportunities to exercise leadership skills. The ultimate goal of the program is to develop change agents on campus, in the community, throughout the state and beyond. Learn more https://www.k-state.edu/leadership/studentsuccess/snyder-fellows/

(x)International Service Teams (IST) is a unique opportunity for K-State students to exercise leadership and serve abroad. Teams travel to communities around the world to engage in community work. Projects have focused on health, education, environmental and sustainability concerns and youth development.  These student-led experiences are a powerful way to practice inclusive leadership, become more self-aware and be better prepared to engage with a diverse and changing world. Learn more https://www.k-state.edu/leadership/studentsuccess/internationalteams/