This guest post from EPSCoR Program Coordinator Alej Martinez highlights how ARISE supports students in its summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.
Despite a rainy Tuesday, July 16th, 12 undergraduate students in the ARISE REU program had a gratifying visit to Urban Station, a community hub created by UrbanWorks in Kansas City, Kansas.
Welcoming the students were co-founders Steve Curtis, an artist, educator, and organizer who has championed community building since the 90s, and Diosselyn Tot Velazquez, whose vision led to Urban Station as a central gathering place.
Steve and Diosselyn shared stories about UrbanWorks’ journey – from Steve’s coffee mornings in Kansas City, Kansas, that fostered connections to Diosselyn’s idea for a dedicated space where neighbors could come together. They even shared the philosophy behind their Friday coffee meetings: “No agendas, just community.”
Due to the rain, the students shifted their planned activities indoors. They lent a helping hand with organizing art supplies, building a park bench, and making important connections to their research.
As REU participant Julian Chavez reflected, “It was impactful. We saw resilience in action, not just as a concept, but practiced by real people in their community. This makes you think deeply about the work we’re doing.” He further connected this to equity, emphasizing that it’s about “access and meeting people where they are.”
