Introduction to the OCC Heading link
The Office of Community Collaboration (OCC) aims to create an environment where UIC invests in the voices of disenfranchised Chicagoans to improve their quality of life. We are on a mission to mobilize institutional change and community growth through reciprocal collaborations with Chicago’s south and west sides.
- Pathways
- Programming
- Participatory research
Utilizing pathways, the OCC creates support systems to access opportunities for both traditional and post-traditional learners. Our programs focus on activating UIC and community partnerships to respond to evolving community concerns and interests. 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.
Participatory Research through Neighborhood Centers Heading link
The OCC houses two place-based initiatives in the Auburn Gresham and Lawndale communities; through which the 3-P’s framework is implemented. The centers are located at:
- The Auburn Gresham Center, located at the Healthy Lifestyle Hub suite 312 (839 W. 79th Street Chicago, IL).
- The Lawndale Center, operating from the MLK Exhibit Center (1558 S. Hamlin Chicago, IL).
The OCC collaborates closely with community-based groups, organizations, and schools to positively impact Auburn Gresham and Lawndale through actively promoting programs in our physical spaces and fostering engagement amongst community members, UIC faculty, students, and staff. Our goals include:
- Boost Black student enrollment and retention at UIC and other post-secondary institutions.
- Provide responsive services to address systemic disparities in education, economics, and health in Auburn Gresham and North Lawndale.
- Act as partners and catalysts for continuous community and economic growth in these neighborhoods.
Call to Action Heading link
Join us in shaping the future of our neighborhood centers, your collaboration is key to our success! Let’s work together to create meaningful programs and services that address our shared goals.
Reserve a space at one of our offices to host community-driven initiative, event, or meeting.
UIC Neighborhood Centers in the News Heading link
Upcoming News Heading link
Upcoming Events Heading link
Ancestral Seeds Doula Certification Program: May 6th - June 17th / July 1st - August 12th / October 7th - November 18th on Mondays, 6pm to 9pm
Childbirth Education Classes: July 3rd - August 14th and October 9th - November 20th on Wednesdays, 10:00am to 11:30am
Ancestral Seeds Postpartum Doula Certification Program: June 25 - July 23 and September 24 - October 22 Tuesdays @ 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Learn Robotics and Grow with Us! Mon-Friday 1pm - 5pm
Learn More About UIC in the Community Heading link
UIC -Partnerships for Antiracist Campus Transformation (UIC-PACT) is a collaboration of members from across campus with the goal to identify various community needs and organize our university expertise and response.
As many individuals across our university community have mobilized and re-organized research and service activities to provide COVID-19 pandemic response and relief to our local and regional efforts, we hope to seed and foster greater campus collaboration to address the needs of communities and neighborhoods that have faced disproportionate hardship and harm because of COVID-19.
The city of Chicago has looked to UIC as a partner in addressing racial disparities in health, technology, and service that have been laid bare by COVID-19. School of Public Health Dean Wayne Giles and Marcus Betts, Assistant Vice Chancellor for External Engagement, both serve on the Mayor Lightfoot’s Racial Equity Rapid Response Team and Dr. Amalia Pallares, Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Engagement, is a member of the Mayor’s Recovery Taskforce. Their work, on behalf of UIC, when coupled with existing COVID-19 response and recovery efforts happening across our campus, exemplify the role UIC plays in addressing and responding to COVID-19, all while keeping our rich history of community engagement at the forefront.