Last week, all UChicago first-years gathered for the University’s annual Engage Chicago Orientation—a day designed to help incoming students engage with the city. Across several small-group sessions, community leaders from nonprofits, health organizations, and arts groups, among others, shared their experiences working in Chicago neighborhoods, offering students a new perspective on the city.
Speakers emphasized how community engagement can open unexpected doors. "Be mindful about what you're doing, and how you're doing it," advised non-profit leader Kendra Cowart. "But I promise, you do not know what your next breakthrough will be and who it's connected to.”
Cowart—Team Lead at the Lifescore Foundation—was one of 85 community leaders who spoke at the event, hosted by the University Community Service Center (UCSC) within the Office of Civic Engagement (OCE).
According to UCSC director Nick Currie, the event aimed to spark opportunities through Chicago's tight-knit civic culture. "I'm hopeful that the connections that they make at their sites might lead to their thesis topic, a job that could lead to a new passion, or an extracurricular opportunity that they didn't know was available," he said.
Students were also encouraged to contribute to, and learn from, local organizations.
“You all are some of the top talent in the country, and have something great to offer our elementary, middle, and high schools,” said Jeremy Ly, a program officer at Genesys Works, which helps provide local youth with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in the workforce.. Ly, highlighted opportunities like the OCE's Neighborhood Schools Program—which connects over 400 UChicago student employees and volunteers with more than 3,000 South Side youth as classroom assistants and tutors.
Drawing on experience from Kansas City to the West Side of Chicago, Cowart has also learned that local communities are eager for student involvement. For her, the nonprofit sector is a perfect place for students to offer technical skills and creative thinking, while testing their interests and making a real impact.
“We need you,” said Cowart. “Just do something and know your skills will be put to good use.”
But in addition to encouraging students to bring their knowledge and abilities, Cowart and other speakers stressed the importance of approaching community engagement with humility, and a willingness to learn from those doing work on the ground.
“Half of communication is listening,” she said. “Think about when you should use your voice, education, and resources, and when someone who is actually doing that work, and living it day in and day out—is going to be the one to educate you.”
The event also encouraged students to embrace Chicago as their home for the next four years. This not only means volunteering, but exploring different cultural pockets, and asking community members to share their favorite things to do in the city.
Currie emphasized that learning happens everywhere in Chicago, not just in formal service settings.
“I think it's important to remember that you can learn something from everybody you meet,” he said. “Not just your professors, not just your peers, but the people that you ride the bus with have interesting stories and perspectives—and you can learn something from that.”
At the end of their day of sessions and conversations with local leaders, 500 students took part in one of 15 service projects supporting nonprofit organizations in the University's neighboring communities. Students at Chicago Hyde Park Village, for instance, offered tech assistance to older community members—helping them stay connected in an increasingly digital world. Incoming students also tackled hands-on projects across the neighborhood, like gardening and cleaning property around the Augustana Lutheran Church.
But these projects are just the start. Cowart encouraged students to seek out opportunities to engage with the University’s longstanding community-based partners throughout their UChicago years.
“You can be at the heart of things that are affecting local communities,” she said. “If you want to get your boots on the ground, pick something and get involved with it.”