Community Projects
We CU partners with the Community Learning Lab to create impactful, community-based learning experiences for students.
Project matching
The Community Learning Lab (CLL) in the School of Social Work works with more than 200 community organizations in Champaign County to fulfill community needs through student projects. The CLL and We CU partnership expands project matching to students and courses across the entire university to better meet the needs of our community partners. The CLL and We CU work in close partnership to match all community project submissions.
Fulfilling the Campus-Community Compact
We CU leverages student enthusiasm and campus resources to serve the Campus-Community Compact and address six critical focus areas that challenge East Central Illinois: Accessible Technology; Community Relations; Economic Development; Health, Wellness & Resilience; Inclusive Education; and Workforce Development.
Types of projects
Students can complete a variety of remote and in-person, community-based projects. Projects will require diverse strengths and skillsets and may be matched with service-learning classes and student groups. Examples of past projects are featured below.
Submit your project
Community groups are encouraged to submit project proposals at the beginning of each semester. We work with faculty to find an appropriate match and make a concerted effort to facilitate as many partnerships as possible between agencies and classes.
Community organizations will continue to work with and hear from the Community Learn Lab at ssw-cll@illinois.edu. Visit the Community Learning Lab to learn more about the CLL.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.