School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Applied Language Institute

Applied Language Institute

Home / Areas of Study / Applied Language Institute / Service-Learning at the ALI
The ALI's service-learning component provides students with the opportunity to practice English in a real-world setting.
All full-time students are required to complete three (3) hours of community service each semester in the academic year. All J-1 students are required to complete six (6) hours of community service each semester.
Since the program began in fall 2021, students, faculty, and staff at the ALI have volunteered with more than 15 organizations and completed more than 630 hours of service in the Kansas City community.
 
Are you an ALI student looking for community service suggestions? Download the list below and begin your search!

Fall 2025 Service Suggestions

Service Verification Form

Where We've Served!

Check out some the organizations the ALI has volunteered with since 2021.

Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap hosts several programs aimed at conservation, recycling, and environmental education in the Kansas City area. ALI faculty, staff, and students who volunteered here spent their time assisting at their Red Bridge recycling drop-off center.
Click here to learn more about Bridging the Gap

Carver Dual Language School

George Washington Carver Dual Language School is an elementary school in Kansas City. Students in this school learn and speak both Spanish and English. ALI staff, faculty, and students who volunteered here visited classrooms and read books to the students.
Click here to learn more about Carver Dual Language School

Nourish KC

Nourish KC's Community Kitchen provides meals to community members at no cost. The kitchen is open every Monday thru Friday. ALI faculty, staff, and students who volunteer with Nourish KC help prepare meals for lunch and also help clean up in the kitchen after prep.
Click here to learn more about Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Harvesters

Harvesters is Kansas City's regional food bank. It serves 26 counties in Missouri and Kansas. Faculty, staff, and students at the ALI have volunteered at Harvesters multiple semester. Volunteers repackage food and sort donations at the Kansas City Volunteer Engagement Center.
Click here to learn more about Harvesters

Jumpstart KC UMKC

Jumpstart KC is a national early education organization that helps prepare children prepare for kindergarten. Members provide programming for preschoolers in under-resourced communitieis. While volunteering with Jumpstart, ALI staff, faculty, and students have prepared booklets and diaramas for Jumpstart volunteers to use with their students.
Click here to learn more about Jumpstart KC UMKC

Kanbe's Markets

Kanbe's Markets provides access to fresh and affordable food in neighborhoods facing food insecurity. ALI staff, faculty, and students helped sort produce when volunteering with Kanbe's.
Click here to learn more about Kanbe's Market

Operation Breakthrough

Operation Breakthrough provides childcare, education, and other resources to families in the Kansas City area. Volunteers at Operation Breakthrough helped prepare classroom materials, sorted clothing donations, and served food.
Click here to learn more about Operation Breakthrough

Humane Society

The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City offers preentative medical care, spay/neuter services, education, and pet adoptions. They are the first and oldest No-Kill shelter in Kansas City. ALI faculty, staff, and students volunteered at the Humane Society for the first time in fall 2023. The volunteers had a great time helping to clean up the shelter and interacting with the dogs and cats.
Click here to learn more about the Humane Society