Center for Civic Engagement
Connecting our Chicago community and North Park University
North Park University’s Center for Civic Engagement brings the energy and expertise of Chicago’s leaders, educators, and organizations directly to campus—creating real-world learning and service opportunities for students and powerful partnerships for community organizations.
Opportunities for Students
Catalyst on campus
Every Wednesday afternoon while classes are in session, North Park hosts speakers, workshops, and city-based events right on campus. Students engage with professionals and change makers working across Chicago in business, art, ministry, science, social justice, and more.
Catalyst courses
Take courses that incorporate experiential learning into North Park’s Wednesday afternoon schedule—connecting classroom learning with hands-on exploration of Chicago.
Catalyst semester
Join a cohort of commuter and residential students who take city-focused classes together, complete a practicum at a Chicago-based organization, and participate in weekly urban experiences.
Opportunities for community organizations
We partner with community-led organizations across Chicago to support work that promotes peace, justice, and equity. The Center for Civic Engagement helps connect your organization with North Park faculty, students, and resources.
Ways we partner
Public policy engagement
Support for policy advocacy and community organizing at the city, state, and federal levels to promote equity and systemic change.
Community development hub
Collaboration on urban planning and economic development initiatives rooted in social justice.
Program evaluation and grant writing support
Helping organizations grow through access to data, impact measurement, and grant writing expertise.
Community assets cohorts
Cohort-based professional development in financial and organizational management for religious leaders—building capacity for sustainable, impactful ministries and nonprofits.
Contact
Center for Civic Engagement
Sohlberg Hall
5130 N. Christiana Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625