University of Illinois Neighborhoods Initiatives

UIC Great Cities Neighborhoods Initiative (UICNI) represents a diverse network of partnerships between the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), a land-grant institution, and organizations in the neighborhoods adjacent to UIC or near University-sponsored, community-based facilities. UICNI is a major vehicle through which the University fulfills the mission of the Great Cities Commitment with particular emphasis on the engagement of students, faculty and staff in long-term, meaningful relationships with communities. UICNI has a campus-wide focus that extends to all UIC colleges. To facilitate internal partnership among colleges, the UICNI supports two strategically located offices, one on each side of UIC's large urban campus.

UICNI partnerships bring together the expertise, resources and wisdom of the communities with that of the university to strengthen the quality of life for all beneficiaries. As neighbors, these relationships enhance both community and university leadership and organizational capacity. Through partnerships, UICNI contributes to neighborhood revitalization through teaching, research, and services that are focused on measurable improvements in educational outcomes, health status, economic conditions, physical environment and safety among other important issues.

Our programs include Community Health Centers In Schools, a program which provides primary healthcare, acute and chronic illness management, nutritional, and health education services to students and families of community schools. Although separately managed, federally funded Health Centers are organized as satellites of Mile Square Health Center.