Civic Engagement

We pride ourselves on being deeply engaged in the life of a strong, sustainable community—whether that community is local or global. In fact, for the sixth time in seven years, Knox has received the highest federal award that an educational institution can receive for its commitment to community service—the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Washington Monthly agrees, ranking Knox #13 in the nation for commitment to service and social mobility.

1. Through the Kleine Center for Community Service, our students contribute tens of thousands of hours of service every year through established partnerships and special programs, including our Day of Service and the groundbreaking KnoxCorps program, which places current students and recent graduates in long-term positions with local and regional organizations. 

2. Considered a "Best Practice" within the state of Illinois, the  Gale Scholars Program is a collaborative partnership between Knox, the local school district, and the area community college to encourage and support higher education aspirations and success for academically promising first-generation and income eligible youth within the community.

3. Knox has earned a spot on the Peace Corps' annual list of the top volunteer-producing colleges in the United States, thanks in part to the Peace Corps Preparatory Program, the first program of its kind in the nation.