Community Projects
We CU helps support the School of Social Work's Community Learning Lab (CLL), which connects students and community organizations through impactful community-based learning opportunities."
Project Matching for Service-Learning Classes
The Community Learning Lab (CLL) in the School of Social Work connects with more than 300 community organizations across Champaign County to facilitate community-engaged learning opportunities that address local needs. Community partners can submit project requests through an online application. Designed around mutual benefit and reciprocity, this model enables organizations to receive meaningful project support in identified areas while providing students with practical experience that builds professional skills, deepens community understanding, and enhances career readiness.
Types of Projects
The CLL solicits project proposals from community organizations and makes a concerted effort to facilitate as many partnerships as possible between agencies and classes. For past placements and project examples, visit the CLL website or contact ssw-cll@illinois.edu.
Project Submissions
The CLL welcomes project submissions from local organizations and small businesses within Champaign county and beyond. Projects can be submitted on a rolling basis.
H.O.Y.C.E. Center
The H.O.Y.C.E. Project seeks to cultivate a safe and supportive environment where youth can thrive free from the shadows of violence. They achieve this by connecting youth to educational and recreational programs that open a world of possibilities and guide young minds toward a future filled with hope and opportunity. We CU students helped H.O.Y.C.E. with grant writing. Their contributions helped secure thousands of dollars to support H.O.Y.C.E. programs and community initiatives.
The Cairo Historical Preservation Project
The Cairo Historical Preservation Project, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization formed for protecting and preserving Cairo’s historical resources. For two semesters, We CU scholars researched grant opportunities to preserve historic structures in the community. The students reported their findings to the TCHPP board of directors, and some even visited Cairo to tour historical buildings.
Candor Health Education
Candor Health Education instructs students, their trusted adults, and communities on the topics of puberty, sex, and substance abuse prevention to positively impact the physical, social, and emotional health of young people. A Humanities in Action Scholar helped create social media content to increase Candor Health's visibility and promote their mission on Illinois' campus.
McKinley Foundation
The McKinley Foundation lifts up social justice needs and provides a safe space for students from all backgrounds to grow into awareness of and leadership in social justice endeavors. We CU Scholars helped plant, weed, and harvest fresh produce at the McKinley Giving Garden for the clients of the Garden Hills Food Pantry and others with limited access to healthy food.
The Land Connection
The Land Connection provides education and resources to farmers, landowners, food businesses, and eaters to help build a more just and resilient local food system. We CU Scholars interviewed local farmers and collected materials to feature in the Land Connection's blog, newsletter, and social media. Students also helped attract new customers to the farmers’ market.
U-C Books to Prisoners
U-C Books to Prisoners provides free books to people incarcerated in Illinois prisons and the Champaign County Jail and Youth Center. We CU scholars helped Books to Prisoners design and prepare the launch of their new website, so they can continue promoting education in the community about incarceration and prisons.