Partnering for Impact in Chicago and Beyond
Learn more about Civic Engagement at the University of Chicago
Featured news
Get up close with paleontology in the UChicago Fossil Lab
Monthly open houses at the UChicago Fossil Lab in Washington Park offer behind-the-scenes access to fossil excavation, demonstrations with lab tools, and creative activities for younger guests.
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Featured news
Kersten Institute for Urban Education gathers city and state experts to support students’ attendance, engagement, and well-being
School attendance is down, chronic absenteeism is up, and concern for students’ learning is growing. On March 6, 200 cross-sector experts and practitioners gathered at an event hosted by the Crown Family School’s Kersten Institute for Urban Education and the Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative (IWERC) to discuss how to address the trend across the city and state.
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Featured news
UChicago Education and Crime Labs launch free curriculum to combat “deaths of decision-making"
The University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab, in collaboration with Chicago’s leading community-based organizations serving young people, have released a free, evidence-informed curriculum designed to help service providers guide young people to make better decisions when faced with difficult situations.
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Featured news
University of Chicago completes pedestrian safety upgrades in several locations near campus
The University of Chicago recently completed numerous improvements to city streets near the north and south areas of campus to help enhance pedestrian safety.
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
Apr 7th, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Berlin Family Lecture Series
This spring, the Berlin Family Lecture Series welcomes award-winning author Yiyun Li for a three-part conversation on reading, storytelling, and the world around us.
