The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has received a grant to expand its annual 9/11 remembrance into a month-long service initiative, according to university officials. The grant, announced in August 2026, will fund a series of volunteer projects and educational events throughout September, engaging students in community service to honor the memory of those lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The initiative, named "September Serve" or similar, will include partnerships with local nonprofits and organizations, offering students opportunities to participate in food drives, neighborhood clean-ups, and other service activities. The university's Office of Student Leadership and Engagement will coordinate the expanded program, which aims to foster a culture of service and civic responsibility.
UNL has held an annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony since 2002, featuring moments of silence, guest speakers, and displays of artifacts. The new grant allows the university to extend these efforts beyond a single day, providing a month-long calendar of service and reflection. Officials emphasize that the program is non-political and focuses on unity and community support.
The grant amount and specific donor have not been publicly disclosed. The university plans to evaluate the program's impact and consider making it a permanent annual tradition.
