On a crisp weekend in November, six Kansas State University students, including Eugene Oku, a first-year Ph.D. student studying Agricultural Economics, set out on an Alternative Break to La Harpe, Kansas. These service trips, offered through the Staley School of Leadership’s Service Teams program, provide K-State students with opportunities to participate in immersive service experiences over winter, spring, and weekend breaks. By traveling to various Midwest communities, Wildcats engage in hands-on service while learning about local opportunities and challenges alongside community members.
A partnership for change
Nestled in southeast Kansas, La Harpe is a small town with a big heart. The weekend alternative break was organized in collaboration with local leaders working to revitalize public spaces and foster community pride. Through a partnership with Thrive Allen County and Marcia Davis, director of community engagement, students teamed up with town residents for a community clean-up, clearing debris, restoring shared spaces, and engaging in meaningful conversations about the town’s history and future.
For many students, this trip was more than just a weekend of service—it was an opportunity to witness the impact that small, collective efforts can have on a community.
“I decided to sign up for this experience because I wanted a way to give back and also gain a deeper understanding of U.S. culture, embrace new opportunities, and develop leadership and teamwork skills,” said Oku.
Beyond the clean-up: Learning through action
A core component of K-State’s Alternative Breaks is not just the service itself, but also the learning and reflection that come with it. Before heading to La Harpe, students engaged in discussions about rural community development, environmental sustainability, and the role of civic engagement in fostering lasting change. During the trip, reflection sessions helped participants connect their service experience to broader social issues and consider how they can continue making an impact beyond the weekend.
“What surprised me the most was getting to hear how La Harpe has evolved over time. Residents shared their pride in the history of their town, while also sharing their concerns for the future with the population decreasing. It made me reflect on how fleeting life can be and how quickly circumstances can change – and the importance of always working toward a shared community,” shared Oku.
Graduate student coordinator for Service Teams, Catherine Obiribea Ofori-Bah, emphasized the value of Alternative Breaks:
“Alternative breaks are opportunities to learn about the complexity of social issues that communities face and engage in service projects to address those needs. The value of alternative breaks lies in the ability to transform participants, inspiring civic engagement, fostering empathy, and emphasizing shared responsibility in addressing social and environmental issues. Participants usually return with an increased sense of self-awareness and a commitment to service.”
The ripple effect of service
While the students’ work in La Harpe may have lasted only a weekend, the effects of their efforts extend beyond the clean-up itself. Their work contributed to an ongoing community initiative to improve shared spaces, creating a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. More importantly, it strengthened the partnership between K-State and La Harpe, demonstrating the impact of students stepping outside the classroom and into partnership with communities.
As the students returned to Manhattan, they carried with them not only the satisfaction of a job well done but also a renewed commitment to civic engagement. Whether through future service projects, advocacy, or community leadership, the lessons learned in La Harpe will continue to shape their paths as engaged and active citizens.
Get involved
K-State’s Alternative Breaks program continues to offer students transformative experiences that bridge classroom learning with real-world impact. Two Alternative Breaks trips are coming up in March during spring break, providing more opportunities for students to engage in meaningful service. For more information, visit the Alternative Breaks website or email altbreak@ksu.edu.
