Response by the American people to the devastation caused by the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region has been unprecedented. In particular, our nation’s colleges and universities responded by offering displaced students and faculty a place on their campuses, often waiving fees and requirements. Student organizations held fundraisers and assembled books, supplies, clothing, and other necessities and, in some cases, delivered them personally to people who were suffering. In areas housing Katrina evacuees, college students volunteered in shelters, schools, and community centers. Now students are helping the Gulf Coast recovery by organizing teams to aid in the long-term process of rebuilding.

The Universities Rebuilding America Partnership (URAP) toolkit helps college students and staff prepare for group trips to help rebuild the devastated areas of the Gulf Coast region. In addition to providing practical information, the toolkit is designed to help campus organizers think through important elements of the travel and work experience such as choosing the best sites and sponsoring organizations that fit the goals and needs of the group; orienting group member for the work trip, including training and education; and providing opportunities for individual and group reflection.

• Click here to view the toolkit (PDF)
• Click here to visit the Universities Rebuilding America Partnership website

Additional Resources

• HurricaneHelpforSchools.gov - US Department of Education
• Katrina's Kids
• Find a volunteer opportunity using the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network

Universities Rebuilding America Honor Roll and Awards Program

In conjunction with the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the Universities Rebuilding America Partnership will recognize higher education institutions for their contributions to the recovery and rebuilding efforts of communities, organizations, and families affected by the hurricanes of 2005. An application will be issued shortly, with a deadline set for May 2006.

The Universities Rebuilding America Honor Roll and Awards Program will:

• Recognize the commitment of higher education students, faculty, staff, and institutions nation-wide for their response to the recent hurricanes that devastated the Gulf region.
• Identify and recognize those colleges and universities that have provided the most significant and meaningful contributions to the recovery/ re-building efforts of communities affected by this year’s hurricanes.
• Identify and recognize institutional policies and structures that support college-community partnerships, and facilitate responses to such disasters.

• Click here for more information (PDF)

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