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The Steans Center was founded to integrate the concept of service and social justice into the University's curricula. DePaul's commitment to service is part of its Vincentian, Catholic, and urban mission: to foster through higher education a deep respect for the dignity of all persons, especially the materially, culturally, and spiritually deprived; and to instill in its students a dedication of service to others. The Steans Center engages students, faculty, and community organizations in relationships that seek to fulfill DePaul's mission and benefit the Chicago community. The Center is staffed to support community organizations, faculty, and students through a variety of service-learning projects.
During the past eight years, the Steans Center has taken a leadership role in service-learning efforts in higher education in Illinois and is often referred to as a leader nationally.  Its commitment to social justice, service-learning, and community service is exemplified in its U.S. News and World Report ranking among the leading service-learning programs in the country.  Its national ranking is due in no small part to extensive support from a network of students involved in community service, social justice efforts, and community-based employment.