University of Louisville
2323 S. Brook St.
Louisville, KY 40208
Community Engagement
Addressing the needs and interests of our diverse communities locally, statewide, nationally and internationally.
The University of Louisville understands that community engagement plays a critical role in enhancing academic quality while providing service to the community, and that public service reflects our mission to share the benefits of its research and knowledge for the public good. The focus areas for UofL's collaborative efforts are in the areas of educational attainment, economic development, health & quality of life, and social & human services.
The Office of Community Engagement is UofL’s central administrative office with a mission to facilitate the use of university knowledge and resources to support partnerships advancing the mutual needs of the community and the university. The office promotes transformative experiences for faculty, staff, and students through engaged scholarship, outreach, and service to address community issues in Louisville, across the region, and around the world.
Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.
Community partnership and engaged service are core elements of the University of Louisville's mission. Whether it is working with students in local public schools, helping to provide services in underserved neighborhoods, or building stronger communities internationally, UofL is committed to collaborating with partners to improve quality of life in places both near and far. UofL Community Engagement activities break down into the following categories:
Ongoing collaboration with community partners for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. Click here for a list of recent major partnerships.
Providing direct services, time, or resources to benefit a community or its institutions. This includes instances of public intellectualism such as talks, lectures, presentations, performances, etc. Learn more about the Office of Community Engagement’s annual outreach event Cards Come Together.
Student involvement with external partners via coursework (community-based learning courses). Click here to see a list of community-based learning courses.
Faculty scholarly work done in full partnership with the community. It consists of research, teaching, and the application of scholarship for the mutual benefit of the institution and community partner. Click here for UofL’s Faculty Handbook on Community-Engaged Scholarship.
Eboni Cochran is the recipient of the 2023 UofL Outstanding Community Engagement Award for a Community Partner. Eboni is the is co-director of Rubbertown Emergency Action...
University of Louisville second-year dental student Kierra Dages is one of 11 dental students nationwide recognized for dedication to community service....