Partnering for Impact in Chicago and Beyond
Learn more about Civic Engagement at the University of Chicago
Featured news
Largest-ever South Side Science Festival puts UChicago STEM in kids’ hands
Thousands of families from across Chicago came to the University of Chicago campus on Saturday for the yearly South Side Science Festival. This was the largest event in the festival’s four-year history, with more than 700 UChicago scientists and 200+ volunteers from across campus sharing STEM with approximately 4,300 kids and parents from across Chicago, more than half of whom were from South Side communities.
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Featured news
UChicago Medicine invested $715 million in community benefits in fiscal 2024
The University of Chicago Medicine invested $715 million in community benefits in fiscal 2024, according to its newly released Community Benefit Report.
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Featured news
UChicago Pritzker Molecular Engineering course shows City Colleges of Chicago students a life in STEM
Many think they need to go directly from high school to the Ivies to have a career in STEM, but a program run by the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) shows City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) students that’s not the case.
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Featured news
After School Matters gives Chicago teens a taste of lab life
Yearly internship program gives STEM-focused Chicago Public Schools high schoolers research experience at the college level
Read moreOur areas of focus
Community Safety
Through research, evidence-based programming, and direct service, UChicago is working with community partners on the South Side and beyond to build safer communities, save lives, and heal traumatic emotional wounds inflicted by violence.
K-12 Education
We demonstrate our commitment to local education by developing and investing in programs and initiatives that serve children from pre-K through high school and by working with teachers and principals to improve our city’s school system.
Community Health
UChicago is committed to promoting health equity and improving access to care on the South Side, so all residents have the opportunity to thrive.
Economic Opportunity and Entrepreneurship
We leverage UChicago’s role as the largest private employer and purchaser of goods and services on the South Side to foster entrepreneurship and create economic opportunities for community residents and local small businesses.
Civic Infrastructure
To strengthen Chicago’s civic infrastructure, we offer community-based training for emerging leaders and help to build local organizations’ capacity to grow, thrive, and achieve their missions.
Arts and Culture
As a partner in the South Side’s rich and storied arts community, we work to provide cultural opportunities, resources, and programs that reflect our community, resonate across the city, and are renowned around the world.
Upcoming event
Oct 15th, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Public Safety Advisory Council Meeting
This virtual meeting will include a public safety update from UChicago Chief of Police Kyle Bowman, a discussion about the use of security cameras in our public safety system both on campus and in the extended patrol area, as well as an overview of how to apply to serve as a student or community representative on the Council.
