The Center for Community Outreach offers 15 volunteer programs to Kansas University students.

Here are the programs at a glimpse:

Best Buddies

KU pairs students with local high school graduates who have developmental disabilities in order to provide friendship and educational opportunities.

CREATE (Community Resources Engaging in the Arts Through Education)

Volunteers serve community agencies and residents by providing services focused on art, theater, music and dance.

CAAS (Concerned Active and Aware Students)

CAAS advocates for issues ranging from hunger and homelessness to environmental policy through service projects, educational events and publications.

EARTH (Environmental Action to Revitalize the Heartland)

EARTH works in local parks, nature preserves and other areas whose natural environments need repair or protection. EARTH educates and provides opportunities for service and direct action to improve the environment.

GROW (GROW Community Garden Project)

GROW works with youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence and other community sites to tend to small organic gardens. Goals include learning about teamwork, horticulture, nutrition and environmental awareness.

Hawks for Health

Hawks for Health places student volunteers in community health-care facilities. Volunteers hold health promotion activities on campus and around the Lawrence community.

HUG (Helping Unite Generations)

Volunteers with HUG establish relationships with older members of the community, help record the memories of the elderly through memory books, and link school-aged children and older adults through the “GrandPals” programs.

ITSW (Into the Streets Week)

Into the Streets Week is an annual event in the spring that highlights volunteer activities throughout the community. Among the events are a hunger banquet, a homeless sleep-out, and the “Empty Bowls” project.

Jubilee Cafe

Jubilee Cafe provides breakfast for in-need community members in a restaurant-style environment at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vt. The program provides a unique opportunity to build friendships with member of the diverse Lawrence community by serving them with dignity and respect.

Lifeline

Lifeline works with high school students in the Douglas County area teaching life skills through hands-on experience. Topics include budgeting, bill paying, college and employment applications, as well as interviewing skills.

MILK (Mentors in the Lives of Kids)

Volunteers mentor elementary school children as a part of the local grade schools’ after-school programs. Volunteers strive to form meaningful relationships with Lawrence youths.

Music Mentors

KU student’s mentors provide free private lessons in musical instruments and vocal training to elementary and junior high school students who attend lower socioeconomic schools.

Natural Ties

Natural Ties facilitates activities and establishes friendships between KU student organizations and individuals with developmental disabilities.

Project Bridge

Project Bridge provides tutoring to people of all ages who are learning English as a second language.

STL (Students Tutoring for Literacy)

Students Tutoring for Literacy helps native or non-native English-speaking youths and adults obtain their GED, learn English as a second language and read their first book or fill out a job application.

Students offer must-have tips Roommates have to learn to adapt Healthy eating habits prove challenging Adjusting to new surroundings takes time Organized living groups Music scene causes buzz downtown Career center helps students find jobs KU on Wheels helps students cross campus Newcomer Tips Personality, finances figure in where to live Programs connect many KU students with community Center for Community Outreach programs Campus involvement appeals to many Camping out for tickets creates memories ‘Faith journey’ awaits Crime declines on campus Recreation center offers fitness plans Advising center helps with students’ transition Office provides resources for disabled students Library workshops gaining students