CEI Prevention Initiatives

The Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute invites you to participate in Rising to the Challenge, a Spring 2026 series of FREE, interactive workshops designed to strengthen the capacity of nonprofit organizations. Whether you attend one session or the full series, each workshop offers practical tools and insights to support your work.
Five one-hour sessions, held on Tuesdays at 11 a.m., are open to everyone; running from May 12 through June 16.
Explore the topics, find sessions that fit your interests, and register by visiting the flyer and selecting the workshop(s) you can attend.
Join us to learn, connect, and grow your impact.
Flyer: https://bit.ly/2026RTTCFlyer

January 29, 2019 (Kansas Day!) was the 1st Annual Kansas Prevention Advocacy Day (KsPAD). We had 33 registered to attend, and room for 50.
Fast Forward to February 26, 2026 when we had over 250 registered for the 7th Annual KsPAD and met in our 3rd venue to prepare after growing out of the previous 2. Pictures are coming soon!
KPC thanks Mende Barnett, Des Martens, Vicki Gieber, Krista Machado, Joy Schwartz, Johnny Lang, Chrissy Mayer, Andy Brown, Andy Martin, Patricia Houston, and the late Mike Parsons for helping design this great event that continues to grow, especially with partnerships with KPC Coalitions, Zero Reasons Why, Zero Reasons Why Central Kansas, Zero Reasons Why ICT, and Zero Reasons Why Johnson County!

February 19!

📣 Community Event
NAMI Kansas SMVF Mental Health Awareness Day is February 19 at the Kansas State Capitol.

A day to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support service members, veterans, and families.

YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT MINI GRANT

- Grant Application Due by 3/16/2026 -



Research shows that youth civic engagement is critical for a variety of reasons. Youth engagement can lead to increased academic performance and improved social-emotional well-being. It builds safe and inclusive school and community cultures and decreases dropout rates. When young people develop healthy civic habits, skills, and commitments, they become more active in community decision-making leading to broader representation and community benefit.

To support this purpose, the Kansas Volunteer Commission, a program of the Kansas State Department of Education, announces the availability of grant funds to support the civic engagement of youth in grades K-12. For this grant, applicants must engage youth in the planning and implementing of grant activities. Priority will be given to applications that include youth-led and youth-initiated projects.

https://kanserve.ksde.gov/resources/commission-mini-grants/youth-civic-engagement-mini-grant

Grant period is April 1 - September 30, 2026.

For questions, contact [email protected].