Lawrence Tech students participated in two service events in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

The first event took place Jan. 16 at University High School in Ferndale. Approximately 30 Lawrence Tech students and more than 50 University High School students spent their Saturday working together on painting and media projects throughout the high school. Students painted a mural designed by University High School student Habura Johnson, stenciled quotes by famous black leaders above classroom doors, designed a digital media project in honor of King, and did general painting and cleaning throughout the school.

University High School (UHS) is a public high school with a rigorous college prep curriculum for students committed to success in high school and in college. UHS is the newest addition to Ferndale Public Schools and was established in partnership with Lawrence Tech.

The second part of the project took place Jan. 18 when Lawrence Tech collaborated with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Madonna University, Henry Ford Community College, Oakland University, and Oakland Community College. Volunteers came together to lend a helping hand at local community agencies and inspire long-lasting and positive change throughout the Metro Detroit area. Lawrence Tech joined this partnership last year.

Lawrence Tech’s 12 volunteers joined 500 others who spent the day volunteering throughout southeastern Michigan. Beautification and assistance took place at such locations as Gleaners Food Bank, Motor City Blight Busters, Stanford Houses, and the Ruth Ellis Center.

This two-part event highlighted Lawrence Tech’s commitment to the national Martin Luther King Day of Service in which individuals are encouraged to “Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off.”  The project was organized by the Office of Leadership Programs and partially funded by two grants, Campus Engagement Fellows and the MLK Challenge Grant, which are provided by the Michigan Campus Compact, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and Learn and Serve.

For more information about upcoming service opportunities, visit www.ltu.edu/leadership.