Office of Community Collaboration Heading link

UIC’s Office of Community Collaboration (OCC) is dedicated to catalyzing community and economic growth in Auburn Gresham and North Lawndale, serving as a vital partner and steward for change.

Our work is guided by three core values: Community, where we center the lives and voices of local residents; Enrollment & Retention, where we promote increased Black student enrollment and retention at UIC; and Sustainability, where we build long-term, generative partnerships based on community interests.

Our programs focus on activating UIC and community partnerships to respond to evolving community concerns and interests. Utilizing pathways, the OCC creates support systems to access opportunities for both traditional and post-traditional learners. Lastly, participatory research brings community voices to the forefront by emphasizing participation and action by members of communities affected by that research; it focuses on collaboration and reflection.

We are a catalyst for place-based investment. We direct resources and expertise towards shared prosperity via collaborative initiatives to create a more vibrant Chicago for all.
Lawndale Community Event Lawndale Community Event
New Mother's group

Collaborating for a Brighter Tomorrow Heading link

We advocate for communities in a number of ways. We serve as partner and steward to catalyze continued community and economic development in Auburn Gresham and North Lawndale and at UIC. We’re proud to work towards these goals and we invite you to partner with us as we work to:

  • Increase Black student (traditional and post-traditional) enrollment and retention at UIC and other post-secondary institutions.
  • Provide relevant and responsive services that address systemic education, economic, health and other disparities in Auburn Gresham and Lawndale .
  • Serve as partner and steward to catalyze continued community and economic development in Auburn Gresham and Lawndale.