MANHATTAN–The month of June has officially commenced a host of summer programs provided by the Office of Diversity. The Multicultural Academic Programs Success (MAPS) bridge program and the K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship are being offered through mid-July to incoming freshman wishing to get a head start on their college career and potential students wishing to further their research through the College of Agriculture. The Office of Diversity Leadership Program grant will be continuing throughout the summer as well.
MAPS the Project Impact Summer Bridge Program is a long-running annual opportunity for incoming multicultural freshmen planning to major in agriculture, business, or engineering. Students are able to earn up to six credits in specific courses, free room and board in on-campus dorms, industry tours across the Midwest, and a stipend for their participation. Students will also conduct a bio-fuels project and will receive scholarship, professional networking, and academic advancement opportunities throughout the duration of the program.
The KSRE Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship is an opportunity for multicultural students to work as part of faculty research teams. They are expected to spend at least 35 hours per week and contribute to the research team. The goal is to have a tangible product at the end of 8 weeks and then report about the results in a special research forum. Students are also given the opportunity to take summer courses on research ethics and compliance while conducting their research.
The Project Impact Leadership Programs Grant is a student recruitment and retention program targeting high school students to encourage a commitment to attend college. Many of the students are first generation multicultural living in at-risk communities. The program hosts two state-wide leadership conferences throughout the year and offers community service initiatives during the summer.
Multicultural students are encouraged to take advantage of these invaluable opportunities.
Questions about these programs can be directed to Dr. Zelia Wiley, Interim Associate Provost for Diversity at zwiley@ksu.edu