Service Learning + Civic Engagement in the News

The 114th University of Kansas Homecoming, sponsored by Central Bank, concluded with a win against Baylor University on Oct. 24. Thirteen Jayhawks were honored with 2026 Homecoming Awards, shining a spotlight on the alumni, students and faculty who embody the very best of Jayhawk pride and tradition.

At the Oct. 24 Homecoming football game, Courtney Summers received the award, which remains the only honor given to faculty through the Student Alumni and Endowment Board.

Eighteen Jayhawks are leading service projects in partnership with community and campus partners as part of the Center for Service Learning's Trailblazers Mini-Grant program. Throughout the academic year, students connect monthly for cohort training and group problem-solving.

Kenzie Besgrove, a University of Kansas junior in speech-language-hearing, was named a member of the 2026-2027 Newman Civic Fellow cohort. Newman programming emphasizes personal, professional and civic growth that empowers fellows to collaborate effectively and create large-scale positive change.

The University of Kansas Center for Service Learning has received external funding to support the continuation of the CSL’s Trailblazers Mini-Grant and Cohort Program. The 2025-2026 cohort included more than 25 student Trailblazers across 16 projects focused on sustainability, youth development, health and more.