July 13, 2017
Office of Diversity summer update
Summer programming in the Office of Diversity is in full swing. Each day, scholars in the Junior MANRRS, Switzer/KSU Agriculture Camp, MAPS program, Project IMPACT, and other research programs have participated in activity-filled programs complete with learning and networking opportunities.
I would like to thank my office staff and students for their efforts in implementing our programs. Your work is appreciated.
Throughout the summer, Precollegiate students in the Junior MANRRS program have experienced life on a college campus and participated in activities around the Manhattan area. Participants have learned about the food science industry by visiting the Dairy Unit and Sheep/Meat Goat Center to introduce them to agriculture and farming. The students are from the Topeka and Shawnee County area.
Since June 9, MAPS scholars have attend professional development workshops, visited corporate sponsors at the Cargill Innovation Center and Phillips 66 corporate office, conducted community service projects with mentors and celebrated Independence Day at the Frith Community Center in the Jardine Apartment Complex. This is a six-week summer bridge program that is a part of our award-winning Project IMPACT program.
The MAPS scholars are continuing to study for classes and participating in leadership and team-building activities around Manhattan but everything good must come to an end. The public is invited to the K-State MAPS Program biofuels poster presentations from 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, in the Engineering Hall Atrium. This is an informal event, so please feel free to come and go at your leisure. Light refreshments will be served. The closing program will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 20, in the Alumni Center Ballroom.
The Project IMPACT Urban Gardening Program has already volunteered in multiple areas around Kansas teaching the importance of healthy lifestyles. Through our Leadership Grant partnership with the Department of Kansas Families and Children, the Urban Gardening projects will be implemented from May through early fall. The program is designed to provide knowledge in planting herbs, fruits and vegetables. It also demonstrates the benefits of healthy eating and nutritious foods. Students participate in leadership seminars that teach the importance of education as well. I give a big thanks to our Kansas non-profit program partners such as the, Faith & Hard Works Ministry, Neighborhood Academic and Athletic Association, or NAAA, KU Upward Bound and Wichita State Upward Bound programs.
During the week of June 26, our office hosted the 10th annual Switzer/KSU Agriculture Camp. Campers attended leadership and networking seminars, farm tours and even had a chance to visit the Kansas State University Gardens and Insect Zoo.
Through a partnership with the Graduate School, the annual Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, many Research for Undergraduates programs, the Kansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Research Immersion: Pathway to STEM program, and K-State Research and Extension Multicultural Summer Research fellows program continue collecting research and data regarding their respective topics as they near the end of the fellowship. They have participated in mentoring weekly seminars, Sunset Zoo STEM program, Manhattan Juneteenth Celebration, Konza Prairie and toured Manhattan area attractions. The office looks forward to the final presentation and tangible results of their research at the end of July.
Throughout the summer The Office of Diversity will continue planning for our 2017 Kompass orientation in August. Thanks to our corporate sponsors for your support in our diversity efforts. We will have representatives from KOCH, Cargill, Hormel, Ardent Mills, Union Pacific and Phillips 66 interacting with our students throughout the summer. Please know that the K-State community members are encouraged to take part in all programs hosted by our office. Your time and comments are welcome.
Thank you to all scholars who have participated in our diversity programs and community partners to garner success!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at zwiley@k-state.edu or 785-532-6276.
Sincerely,
Zelia Wiley
Interim associate provost of diversity