Students give back to the community through service

Pittsburg State University students are making a meaningful impact throughout the region, contributing their time and talents to schools, agencies, and organizations. From mentoring young learners to assisting with community events, their efforts reflect Pitt State's commitment to service and engagement.

Athletics

Student-athletes across multiple teams are actively involved in community outreach.

Gorilla Football

Members of the Gorilla football team have read to children at Sonshine Childcare, George Nettles Elementary School, Westside Elementary School, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Kansas. They also volunteered at the USA Wrestling Youth Championships and assisted with the Frontenac School Carnival alongside the Gorilla volleyball team.

Golf

Members of the golf team greet students each week at George Nettles Elementary as they arrive at school and read to them regularly. They have cleaned the grounds for Ronald McDonald House Charities. They also rang bells for the Salvation Army, packed weekend food bags at The Lord's Diner for community members experiencing food insecurity, and volunteered at the Westside Elementary School Carnival.

Gorilla Softball

Gorilla softball players celebrated Dr. Seuss Read Across America week with first graders at Lakeside Elementary, promoting reading and literacy.

Gorilla Soccer

Each member of the Gorilla soccer team volunteers two hours weekly at Nettles Elementary, where they provide mentoring and reading support to students.

Physical Education

Physical Education majors gained hands-on teaching experience at Pittsburg Community Middle School as part of their Theories and Activities II course. They guided students through the rules, strategies, and skills of flag football - one of the fastest-growing sports and an official event debuting at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Through this collaboration, Pitt State students strengthened their teaching abilities while supporting middle schoolers in staying active and engaged.

Teaching & Leadership

Education majors enrolled in the Science of Reading II course helped facilitate a Family Literacy Night at Westside Elementary. They designed and led reading and learning activities that created an interactive, enjoyable evening for children and families, supporting literacy development and school-family connection.

Technology & Engineering Education

Students in the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association - part of both the Technology & Workforce Learning and Technology and Engineering Education programs - volunteered at the annual Just Imagine Kansas event at Lakeside Elementary.

Fourth-graders operated booths with local business partners to learn about commerce and entrepreneurship. At their booth, TEECA students demonstrated an XTool laser engraver and created keychains, giving younger learners a hands-on introduction to technology, creativity, and potential future careers.