Stories & Impact

Engagement Across Illinois

Discover how faculty, staff, students, and community partners are working together to create meaningful impact across Illinois and beyond.

Public Engagement in Action

Office of Public Engagement • Summer 2026

Building Beyond Barriers Grant Winners

The newest Building Beyond Barriers grant recipients are advancing campus-community projects that address local priorities, strengthen partnerships, and create lasting impact.

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Four community members wearing blue shirts standing together with their arms around one another

Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute • Summer 2026

Summer 2026 Community-Academic Scholars Projects

Fourteen interdisciplinary projects connect undergraduate scholars, academic mentors, and community partners to address real-world challenges in health, equity, and community well-being.

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Students and participants gathered near Foellinger Auditorium

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences • June 16, 2026

Building French Connections

Supported through Building Beyond Barriers, this partnership strengthens connections through language, culture, collaborative learning, and public engagement.

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A visitor seated on a bench viewing large paintings at Spurlock Museum

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences • June 11, 2026

A Hub for Connection and Learning

The Hub for Connection and Learning creates meaningful partnerships that expand educational opportunities and connect university expertise with community needs.

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$Mari Altshuler at Family Math Night$

College of Education • June 10, 2026

Empowering Students in Math and in Life

A partnership with Broadmeadow Elementary in Rantoul helps elementary students and future teachers build confidence in mathematics through community-engaged learning.

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