19th Annual MLK Challenge

To honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Student Engagement is hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. Challenge during January 2023. The purpose of this challenge is to engage the Central Piedmont community in advancing racial and social justice, developing a deeper knowledge of self-identity and community activism, and honoring the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Sign Up to Volunteer

In order to maximize the number of students participating, we ask that you sign-up for only one event.

Volunteer Sign Up form

Events

Central Piedmont is offering multiple service opportunities that may fit your schedule. There will be a group reflection and lunch to follow.

  • Thursday, January 19

    Opening Program | 12 p.m.

    Join us for the opening program: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

    This event will be held on the Central Campus in the Parr Center Theater.

     

  • Monday, January 23

    GiGi's Playhouse | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

    Volunteer and help create an inspiring space where locals can come together and see individuals with Down Syndrome thrive. Through a variety of painting projects, help create an atmosphere where community can come together and promote positivity.

    Hospitality House | 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

    Spend two hours of your time prepping, cooking and packaging a meal for 20-25 individuals staying at the Hospitality House while their loved ones undergo medical procedures. You will also be writing encouraging notes/cards and creating welcome bags.

    Park Road or Billingsville YWCA | 3-6:30 p.m.

    Your afternoon will be spent volunteering with local Charlotte youth in their after school program. Their Youth Learning Centers provide programming to help boost the reading and learning skills of children in low socioeconomic communities.

  • Tuesday, January 24

    Hospitality House | 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

    Spend two hours of your time prepping, cooking and packaging a meal for 20-25 individuals staying at the Hospitality House while their loved ones undergo medical procedures. You will also be writing encouraging notes/cards and creating welcome bags.

    Sunridge or Sugar Creek YWCA | 3-6:30 p.m.

    Your afternoon will be spent volunteering with local Charlotte youth in their after school program. Their Youth Learning Centers provide programming to help boost the reading and learning skills of children in low socioeconomic communities.

    Gigi's Playhouse | 3:30-7:30 p.m.

    Join us at GiGi's Playhouse Charlotte and engage in a variety of fun activities partnered with an individual with Down Syndrome. Together you'll make a craft, create something tasty in the kitchen and participate in some physical activity!

  • Wednesday, January 25

    Hope for Harvest | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

    Help prepare ready to go care kits for adults and youth that are in need and utilize our clothing closet. Pack, organize and prepare for delivery of essential items for those in the most critical need.

    Hope for Harvest | 3-6:30 p.m.

    The youth are the heart of the Hope for Harvest mission. Work with our after school program and you will lead group activities, help with homework, and engage participants in thought provoking activities.

    Southside YWCA | 4-7 p.m.

    Your afternoon will be spent volunteering with local Charlotte youth in their after school program. Their Youth Learning Centers provide programming to help boost the reading and learning skills of children in low socioeconomic communities.

  • Thursday, January 26

    Gigi's Playhouse | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

    Join us at GiGi's Playhouse Charlotte and engage in a variety of fun activities partnered with an individual with Down Syndrome. Together you'll make a craft, create something tasty in the kitchen and participate in some physical activity!

    Hospitality House | 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

    Spend two hours of your time prepping, cooking and packaging a meal for 20-25 individuals staying at the Hospitality House while their loved ones undergo medical procedures. You will also be writing encouraging notes/cards and creating welcome bags.

    Albemarle Road YWCA | 3-6:30 p.m.

    Your afternoon will be spent volunteering with local Charlotte youth in their after school program. Their Youth Learning Centers provide programming to help boost the reading and learning skills of children in low socioeconomic communities.

     

  • Friday, January 27

    Freedom School Partner of Charlotte | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

    Spend your morning listening to and participating in their impactful curriculum. End your day creating classroom baskets of materials for the summer literacy program teachers.

Partner Organizations

Find our partner organizations on the map.

  • Freedom Schools, Inc.

    Freedom School Partners aim to provide summer programming that delivers a culturally diverse curriculum to affirm students of color with engaging literature and exposure.

    It was created during the civil rights movement to serve families who lack access to quality summer enrichment.

    Address: 
    1030 Arosa Avenue
    Charlotte, NC 28203

  • Gigi's Playhouse

    The mission of Gigi's Playhouse is to change the way the world views Down Syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.

    Gigi's Playhouse changes lives through free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, and the community.

    Address: 
    9101 Kings Parade Boulevard, #102
    Charlotte, NC 28273

  • Hope for Harvest

    The Hope for Harvest Youth Center provides services and programming designed to uplift, inspire, and empower underserved and housing-insecure youth in and around Charlotte.

    Hope for Harvest equips young people with knowledge, resources, and experiences in order to explore personal and professional interests, set goals, and break the cycle of generational poverty.

    Address: 
    1800 Brewton Drive
    Charlotte, NC 28206

  • Hospitality House

    Hospitality House of Charlotte provides temporary lodging for patients and their families experiencing a medical crisis while receiving treatment at a Charlotte medical facility.

    Hospitality House addresses unmet healthcare needs and access to health for all.

    Address: 
    1400 Scott Avenue
    Charlotte, NC 28203

  • YWCA

    The YWCA provides a safe place for women and their families facing instability and empowers children to reach literacy goals.

    YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

    Addresses:

    Albemarle YWCA
    5027 North Idlewild Road
    Charlotte, NC 28227

    Billingsville YWCA
    124 Skyland Avenue
    Charlotte, NC 28205

    Park Road YWCA
    3420 Park Road
    Charlotte, NC 28209

    Southside YWCA
    435 Fairwood Avenue
    Charlotte, NC 28203

    Sugar Creek YWCA
    943 West Sugar Creek Road
    Charlotte, NC 28213

    Sunridge YWCA
    4005 Sunridge Lane
    Charlotte, NC 28215