Community Engagement
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Our city, our stories.
It is one of the best learning experiences I've had. Nothing comes close to the fulfillment of feeling like you are making a positive impact on others ... The sense of community there is wholesome and inviting, it's hard to stay away! – Jahnai Brown '18, '21
Louisville has a lot to say. It is a city of stories, a place with a long history of debates and discussions and a place with a lot still left unsaid. We're so lucky to share this place with partners building stronger communities everyday by embracing the many voices and perspectives that make up the city.
We collaborate to put on programming, workshops and events throughout the year. If you're interested in collaborating with us, get in touch at writing@louisville.edu.
Our community projects provide internship and volunteer opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. We were recognized for this work with the UofL College of Arts and Sciences Community Engagement Award for 2017-2018.
Learn more about our partners
Family Scholar House is a local nonprofit that supports single parents through housing, academic services and financial assistance as they pursue higher education. Our work at Family Scholar House focuses primarily on providing writing tutoring for writers who are students in various Louisville area colleges and universities. In addition to tutoring, we have held regular workshops on issues of academic writing, organized writing groups and held writing events such as parent-child story writing evenings.
For 78 years, the Parkland library adapted to meet the community’s needs. During World War I, the Parkland Red Cross chapter used the meeting room to make bandages for the French war front. In the 1930s, the Parkland Baby Clinic operated in the library, providing mothers and babies pre- and post-natal services. During the 1937 flood, the library served as a boat base. In the late 1970s and 1980s, the UofL Center for Continuing Education offered classes for the community.
But in 1986, budget cuts forced its closure. In 2016, community voices began calling for the return of library services to Parkland. The grassroots efforts of the Parkland Library Services Committee (later becoming the Friends of Parkland Library) spanned two mayors, three District 1 council members and two library directors. Through years of tireless advocacy, the dream of reopening the library finally became a reality.
The fully accessible library offers books, technology, public meeting rooms, a makerspace and free programming for all ages – ushering in a new era of learning and connection.
The League promotes economic empowerment through education and job training, housing and community development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health and quality of life.
Project Ready is a college and career access initiative for students in grades 6-12. The program addresses academic, social and emotional needs while guiding students through the crucial transition from high school to college and beyond.
For 127 years, Neighborhood House has been a safe and supportive place for infants, kids, families and seniors to connect with one another. Today, their mission, vision and values reflect hope for an equitable future.