Chicago Bound

Overview: Chicago Bound is a virtual week-long pre-orientation program (August 26th - 30th) for incoming first-year students that brings students into a deep, community-based understanding of the challenges and opportunities that characterize Chicago. 

The program, sponsored by the Universitsy Community Service Center (UCSC) in partnership wiht the Institute of Politics (IOP), aims to give participants a solid foundation for becoming a well-informed, active resident of the city and encourages them to think beyond campus and make the most of their college experience. Following Chicago Bound participation, students can expect to begin their studies at UChicago with a significantly deeper understanding of Chicago, how it came to be what it is, how social injustices happens, and how they can work to change our world for the better. 

Led by current UChicago students, Chicago Bound cohorts have a unique opportunity to learn about Chicago communities — including those neighboring the University — before setting foot on campus, through virtual engagement with community partners and community-based organizations, as well as through documentaries, videos, articles, activities, discussion, and other forms of learning and engaging. Students also learn about methods of affecting social change, including direct service, research and evaluation, advocacy and activism, community organizing, public policy, social entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.

Critical issues in the city of Chicago that may be explored through the program include immigration, segregation and racism, education, health, community economic development, and gender and identity. No prior civic engagement, volunteering, or social justice experience is needed to participate.

Because the experience is virutal and takes place before other on-campus pre-orientation programs begin, students can participate in this program in addition to other programs, and it is open to students who don't participate in other pre-orientation programs. Additionally, those who engage with other pre-orientation programs may have the opportunity to advance their engagement on these topics during those programs through a day of community engagement sponsored and facilitated by the UCSC and the IOP.

 

Apply Here

 

Inquiries

 

Syedah Cabell, Associate Director of Student Programming

University Community Service Center

symc@uchicago.edu

773-834-2699

 

Learn More About…

The University Community Service Center

The Institute of Politics