We Listen
We begin by learning from community priorities, experiences, and ideas. Listening helps ensure partnerships respond to real needs and are grounded in trust and mutual respect.
Engage With Illinois
Partnerships Begin With People
Find the path that fits you.
Whether you are part of the community, a faculty or staff member, or a student, there are many ways to connect with the University of Illinois through service-learning, community-engaged research, volunteerism, collaboration, and shared problem-solving.
Choose the path that best fits you.
Impact Together
How We Build Meaningful Partnerships
Every partnership is different, but our approach remains consistent. We listen to understand priorities, connect people and resources, and support relationships so they can grow and create lasting impact.
We Connect
We bring together community knowledge, university expertise, students, organizations, and resources around shared goals and opportunities for collaboration.
We Support
We provide guidance, coordination, resources, and continued relationship-building to help partnerships thrive and create meaningful, sustainable impact.
Choose Your Path
Explore Opportunities Designed for You
Explore opportunities, resources, and connections designed for organizations and community members, University of Illinois faculty and staff, and students.
Community
Share your priorities, connect with university expertise, build partnerships, access campus resources, and work together to address community needs and create lasting impact.
How can Illinois partner with me?
Faculty & Staff
Find community partners, develop service-learning courses, advance community-engaged research, and connect your expertise with organizations working on shared priorities.
How can Illinois support my engagement work?
Students
Discover opportunities to learn, serve, volunteer and lead. Develop skills through community engagement and service-learning.
How can I get involved?Our Shared Commitment
Engagement Is a Relationship, Not a Transaction
Meaningful public engagement grows from listening, shared decision-making, reciprocal benefit, and sustained relationships. Through every partnership, we work to ensure community knowledge is valued, university resources are accessible, and impact is created together.
We Listen We Connect We Support
Not Sure Where to Start?
Every partnership begins with a conversation. Whether you are exploring a collaboration, looking for resources, or simply have a question, the Office of Public Engagement can help you identify the right path and connection.