In the summer of 2007, a small planning team moved the idea of Kansas Corps from an abstract concept to a pre-proposal. This team conducted valuable research and explored program options. Following the encouragement of several regent members and the students’ advisory committee of the Kansas Board of Regents, a larger planning committee was formed. This committee consisted of college and university representatives, college students, non-profit representatives, state legislators, and state agencies representatives. Members of the larger planning committee hosted four focus groups around the state in Hays, Topeka, Garden City, and Wichita during the winter of 2008. In addition, interviews were conducted with college and university administrators and college students. The input from these valuable sources and prior research was used to develop a full proposal. Kansas Corps completed its first pilot project event on April 19, 2008. Over 50 students and sponsors from 6 colleges and universities from across the state gathered to create a hiking and biking trail in the community of Melvern, Kansas. Working with the local “Friends of the Trail” committee and their partners, Westar Electric’s Green Team, the Kansas Trails Council and the PRIDE organization, these students were able to help a small community convert what was once a landfill into a health and fitness trail that has stimulated their local economy. The full proposal was presented in May 2008 by Wichita State University Student Body President Allie Krause. The Kansas Board of Regents endorsed the proposal and promoted the initiative to the Kansas legislature. A second pilot project was held on April 4, 2009 when students and sponsors from six colleges and universities converged on the town of Chapman, Kansas. The Chapman community was devastated by a tornado in June, 2008. Students preformed tasks such as filling holes left by tree removal, insulating, framing, dry walling and resetting windows of a home, cleaning yards, and painting a house. Benefactors from the day reported that the efforts of the Kansas Corps students helped them return to a life of normalcy relieving the stress left from the storm. In addition to the pilot project, the spring 2009 semester was spent securing funding for the inaugural year of the program. A recognition grant from the Kansas Health Foundation was received, providing seed money for program operations. In conjunction with the Kansas Campus Compact a VISTA position and 20 Careers for the Common Good volunteer positions were secured. The VISTA will serve as the Kansas Corps State Coordinator during the inaugural year. The 20 Careers for the Common Good positions will serve as Campus Leaders at their respective campuses around the state. Kansas Corps has moved from an idea at a round table discussion to a program ready to assist the citizens of Kansas in community service. Program leadership continues to develop and enhance what is sure to become one of Kansas’ greatest resources: higher education serving the public good! |
Documents:
Focus Group Meeting Minutes and Presentation:
 |