Trailblazers Mini Grant for Student Projects
CSL is launching a new initiative--the Trailblazers Mini Grant-- to promote student leadership development while partnering with the community on projects that work towards social change. Applications will open on 9/2 and close on 9/19.
Mutually beneficial partnerships to meet community-identified needs
The University of Kansas in an Anchor Institution dedicated to promoting public good, and our undergraduate students are the trailblazers we're seeking to work with community partners on meaningful projects. Using the KU Trails towards Social Change model, the 2025-2026 cohort of Trailblazers will work to address a problem co-identified by those impacted by it. Students are encouraged to use innovative approaches to solving their selected problem with a small team of community and campus members (think: individuals directly impacted, nonprofit leaders, small business owners, local government officials, research professors, graduate students, etc.) also passionate and informed about the topic. Projects should also be personally challenging and spark critical reflection, while incorporating sustainable actions to ensure long term positive impact beyond this academic year. Professional development workshops facilitated by the Center for Service Learning will further support student growth and project success.
Learn more about the Grant Process & Requirements
Applications open on the CSL website on September 2 and responses will be collected via a Qualtrics form. An editable Word document with all the application questions will be included as a helpful resource, but only complete applications submitted via Qualtrics will be considered. Applications will close on September 19 at noon (11:59am).
Yes! No RSVP required. Information Session #1 will be held in Summerfield 201 on Friday, September 5 at 12:30-1:30pm. Information Session #2 will take place on Thursday, September 11 from 4-5pm in Summerfield 201. A video recording with pertinent information will be posted on the CSL website on Monday, September 8.
Prospective Trailblazers are also welcome to speak with CSL staff during Office Hours on Tuesday's from 2-4pm in Summerfield 203. Join us on September 2, September 9, and September 16.
This grant is intended to support projects led by undergraduate students between the ages of 18-25 years old (age restrictions set by the grant-appointing agency, not the Center for Service Learning or the University of Kansas). Up to 4 undergraduate students can apply to work on a project together, but projects led by individuals are also welcome. Total grant funding awarded is not impacted by the number of students working on the project. For example, a project led by 2 Trailblazers versus 4 Trailblazers is still only eligible for a total of $400.
Other students (undergrad and graduate) may be involved in the projects as well, but are not eligible to receive grant funding or attend cohort meetings (like professional development workshops specifically designed for Trailblazers).
9/2: Application opens on CSL Website
9/19: Application closes at noon (11:59am)
9/19: Interview invitations sent out in the evening
9/22-9/30: In-person interviews
10/3: Decisions (yes, waitlist, no) emailed
10/9: Deadline for applicants to accept grant award
10/15: Virtual meeting (5:30-6:30pm) with all Trailblazers and Advisory Board members
10/17: Funds distributed directly to Trailblazers
Late October/Early November: Trailblazer Cohort Meeting #1
Late November/Early December: "Pitch Competition" for IMPACT Conference
February: Trailblazer Cohort Meeting #2 | Mid-Project Report due | IMPACT Conference
March: Trailblazer Cohort Meeting #3
April: Trailblazer Cohort Meeting #4 | Project Wrap-Up | CSL Annual Service Showcase & Celebration
May: Final Reflection due