Kansas State University Community Service Program

The report describes the Kansas State University Community Service Program, which reduces student indebtedness in return for involvement in community service activities. The program is administered and coordinated by students and has four major components: (1) Community Service Teams--interdisciplinary teams of four to five students who live and work in rural Kansas communities for 8 weeks each summer using their academic skills to complete projects developed by community leaders; (2) groups of students who assist rural communities with short-term, labor-intensive projects; (3) mini-grants which fund student-initiated service projects; and (4) a clearinghouse which identifies and coordinates student community service opportunities. The program has involved 883 students serving 55 communities and has provided a total of $172,808 in financial aid (in salaries, stipends, and scholarships) over a 2-year period. (DB)