AUGUST 2026 | Quarter 4

Registration is Open for the Commonwealth Civic & Community Engagement Forum

This Forum creates space to pause and explore the ideas shaping civic and community engagement across Kentucky and beyond. Through thoughtful dialogue, shared experiences, and time in community, participants will have the opportunity to slow down, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with colleagues who are committed to strengthening partnerships between higher education and communities.

The event is free to attend for faculty and staff from EngageKY member institutions and low-cost for non-members.

Learn More & Register Now

Recruitment in Full Swing for AmeriCorps Kentucky College Coaches.

The AmeriCorps Kentucky College Coaches program is currently recruiting for many high school and college service members for the 2026-2027 year! For more information, contact Shellie Baker at shellie.baker@engageky.org or learn more through the links below:

High School KCC Application

College KCC Application

VISTA Program Welcomes New Members

The Communities Thriving VISTA program welcomes a fall cohort of eight new members!

These members have begun service with partners across multiple states, including two serving right here in Kentucky.

The additional six are serving in Ohio (two members) and North Carolina (four members).

EngageKY is excited for these new volunteers and cannot wait to see where their service takes them!

New Impact Report Launches Soon!

EngageKY reflects on 20 years of civic and community engagement work by highlighting the 2025-2026 service year in an upcoming impact report. Be on the lookout for this to be shared in our next newsletter and on our social media very soon!

EngageKY Welcomes New Executive Director

Dr. Shauna Reilly, Assistant Vice Provost for Outreach and Engagement at NKU, has begun serving as Executive Director for EngageKY. We are grateful for Shauna’s leadership and support during this time, and we look forward to working alongside her as EngageKY continues its mission-driven work.

UPCOMING EVENTS & DATES TO SAVE!

September:

8th

Community of Practice: College Food Pantries (meets virtually monthly @ 1 p.m. EST)

Community of Practice: First-Generation College Student Professionals (meets virtually monthly @ 11 a.m. EST)

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14th - 16th

Commonwealth Civic & Community Engagement Forum @ Gheens Foundation Lodge in Louisville, KY

October:

13th

Community of Practice: College Food Pantries (meets virtually monthly @ 1 p.m. EST)

Community of Practice: First-Generation College Student Professionals (meets virtually monthly @ 11 a.m. EST)

November:

10th

Community of Practice: College Food Pantries (meets virtually monthly @ 1 p.m. EST)

Community of Practice: First-Generation College Student Professionals (meets virtually monthly @ 11 a.m. EST)

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12th

9th Annual Kentucky Hunger Dialogue @ Morehead State University

Click Here for More Information & Events

EngageKY Alumni Spotlight: Nathan Whitlock!

Kentucky College Coach Alumni, now the Assistant Director of Civic & Community Engagement, The Bonner Program at Centre College

“AmeriCorps was the logical next step for me after I graduated from college. As a Kentucky College Coach serving at the college level (Centre College), I was able to gain experience as a young higher education professional, make connections with college faculty and staff as a colleague instead of as a student, and support students in a meaningful way. AmeriCorps gave me access and a supportive community of experts and practitioners who helped me learn how to be a stronger mentor for college students.

The Kentucky College Coaches program connected me with individuals who I still keep in touch with and consider dear friends. I would encourage college seniors and recent graduates to especially consider becoming an AmeriCorps member because of the valuable perspective they can bring to student mentorship, program design, and community building.

By being an AmeriCorps member through the Kentucky College Coaches program, you get to make a difference in a student's life every day.” -Nathan Whitlock