Community Collaboration

The Office of Community Collaboration (OCC) mission is to serve as a bridge connecting UIC resources with the neighborhood aspirations of Auburn Gresham and North Lawndale, by cultivating partnerships, expanding pathways to higher education, and advancing community-informed solutions that create lasting opportunities.

We envision a future where OCC and community partners work side by side to build equitable educational pathways, generate meaningful research, and create lasting prosperity for our city.

Our programs focus on three activities: 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; centering community voices in participatory research, which emphasizes participation and action by members of communities affected by that research, collaboration and reflection.

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.

Pathways to Higher Education  

• Increase awareness, access, enrollment, and student success. Through Campus tour, Dual Enrollment, K-12 Career Exploration, College readiness and adult learners.
• Increase Black student enrollment and retention (traditional and post-traditional) at UIC and other post-secondary institutions.

Community Connections 

• Strengthen trusted relationships between UIC and neighborhoods. By providing relevant and responsive services that address systemic education, economic, health and other disparities in Auburn Gresham and Lawndale. Through Partner convenings, Community events, Civic engagement, Listening sessions, Volunteerism and Space Utilization.

Capacity Building 

• Help organizations become stronger. Through Training, Technical assistance, Digital literacy, Organizational development and Resource sharing.

Participatory Research 

• Move from collecting data to creating action. Through Community surveys, Resident research, Data storytelling, Shared decision making and Evaluation