Partnering for Impact in Chicago and Beyond
Learn more about Civic Engagement at the University of Chicago
Featured news
Hyde Park Labs breaks ground; second phase of Harper Court will strengthen Chicago’s growing life sciences ecosystem and bring science and tech hub to South Side
The University of Chicago will be leasing lab and research space as part of a new innovation facility called Hyde Park Labs, with construction already underway at the corner of 52nd Street and Harper Avenue in downtown Hyde Park.
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Featured news
Christian Mitchell named University of Chicago’s vice president for civic engagement
Christian Mitchell, the deputy governor for public safety, energy and infrastructure under Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, will begin his new role as UChicago’s vice president for civic engagement on April 1. Mitchell’s career has spanned community organizing, political advocacy work and public service.
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Featured news
Creative collaborations with South Side chefs and small businesses on the menu for campus dining vendor Chartwells
Over the past year, Chartwells has partnered with more than 20 local chefs and businesses, on everything from sourcing their products at the University’s 14 retail locations and featuring them in dining halls to hosting pop-up chef series and a hospitality career workshop for Chicago Public Schools high school interns.
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Featured news
Neighborhood Schools Program connects UChicago students to Chicago Public Schools
Since its founding in 1976, NSP has played an important role in pairing UChicago students with schools in the University’s neighboring communities such as Woodlawn and Washington Park.
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 urban 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
Mar 29th, 2023 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Preserving Our Memories for the Future: A Webinar w/ South Side Home Movie Project
For Women's History Month, join Arts+Public Life's South Side Home Movie Project team In partnership with Chicago Public Library for a virtual guided tour, an opportunity to watch home movie clips from the 1920s-1980s, and a chance to learn about preserving your own family films.
