Manchester University NxtGen camp gives back to Humane Fort Wayne
North Manchester, IN (08/12/2025) — Manchester University hosted 80 campers for its second-annual NxtGen Leadership Camp from July 6-11.
The NxtGen Program on Campus is a Lilly Endowment-funded initiative designed to help Indiana colleges and universities in their efforts to create new or expand and enhance existing high-quality, on-campus programs for community youth.
The program aims to increase opportunities for Indiana youth to participate in learning experiences on college campuses that expose them to Indiana's higher education institutions while also providing them with experiences that will help prepare them for success in college and beyond.
The camp is hosted at no cost to campers, and a $250 stipend is provided to every participant at the end of the week to ease the financial burdens of the students and their families.
The NxtGen campers' service project this year was to bag cat food and separate it into individual bags for Humane Fort Wayne to distribute to pets and their owners. They donated a total of 160 bags - enough for the next weekly distribution, which often sees around that many cat owners seeking assistance. The time and resources donated by the campers ensures that pets in the area will have enough food for the next week.
Last year's NxtGen campers bagged dog food for Humane Fort Wayne's pet food pantry.
"Creating an amazing experience for our campers is a top priority, and incorporating service into the program is just one meaningful way to do that," said Tish Kalita, director of career and professional development at MU. "It demonstrates that service is not just an activity at Manchester; it's a core value and a key part of the college experience. We want our campers to have fun, grow and understand the power of giving back and making a difference in their communities."
For the media
Contact Tish Kalita, director of career and professional development, at LNKalita@manchester.edu.
Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
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2025 NxtGen campers at MU.
Manchester University
Chloe Leckrone, cnleckrone@manchester.eduShare this Story
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