UFM Community Learning Center

Goal: $20,000.00

Mission

UFM Community Learning Center is a creative educational program serving Kansas State University, the Manhattan area, and the state of Kansas. Based on the philosophy that everyone can learn and everyone can teach, UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development. UFM serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and as a catalyst for new programs and services that enhance the quality of life for all.

Profile

UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning for all ages and in many formats. Community Enrichment classes offer a variety of classes for all ages through instructors from the community. Class instructors come from all areas of the community and have ranged in age from 6, sharing knowledge about rabbit care, to 98, teaching a class on healthy living. Class topics include, but are not limited to, arts and crafts, personal development, health and wellness, career and leadership, cooking, recreation and fitness, language and communication, earth and nature, special interest, hobbies, and youth classes. Over 15,000 people participate in UFM programs and activities each year.

Through your donations, you can contribute to equitable and accessible educational opportunities. UFM sponsors many special programs and collaborations. These include:

YouthBuild: Bountiful Bridges - A community-based pre-vocational program providing unique, innovative workshops that build job skills (GED, OSHA 10, Construction Certificate A, and permaculture), and personal and professional development through green building experiences for participants ages 16-24. This initiative focuses on the development of young adults, serving as a workforce dedicated to leadership and skill-building for individuals aged 16-24 who are not presently attending school. It offers participants the chance to join a team ready to explore new opportunities, continue their education, and expand job opportunities.

Queer Liberation Commons (QLC) & Queer Closet - The Queer Liberation Project is an open and affirming place that commits to celebrating and educating queer peoples and allies about the cultures, experiences, stories, and needs of the Manhattan LGBTQIA+ communities. The Queer Liberation Commons (abbreviated to QLC, pronounced “click”) offers all the communities of Manhattan a space that celebrates the queer communities. These commons are open to all community members. The Queer Closet and Queer Sanctum are spaces located directly adjacent to QLC and are exclusively for members of the queer community. The Sanctum offers a comfortable lounge area for relaxation and connection within the queer community. The Queer Closet is a collection of clothing items, apparel, and body & sexual health products for people in need of gender, sexual, and expressive-affirming products.

Teen Mentoring Program - This program, for middle school and high school students, offers friendship, fun, food and guidance with volunteer mentors! The goal of this program is to provide a positive environment and friendship while modeling positive life skills with the students so the students involved do not have to walk the confusing path of middle school and high school alone.

Project EXCELL - Project EXCELL provides personal enrichment and life skill classes to adults 18 years and older with developmental disabilities. EXCELL strives to give these students a college-like experience. It also provides the opportunity for EXCELL students and Kansas State University students to grow and learn through interactions with each other.

Community Gardens - The Manhattan Community Gardens are a cooperative gardening project located in the south part of Manhattan, Kansas.

Lou Douglas Lecture Series - Lou Douglas Lectures seek to extend understanding of public policies with a focus on social justice issues. They contribute to the general education of K-State students and others on campus and in the community by presenting speakers who propose public policy that deals progressively and democratically with the roots of social, political and economic issues.