51ÉçÇø

At the University of Nebraska at 51ÉçÇø (UNO), community engagement isn’t just a value—it’s how the university fulfills its metropolitan mission. Across all colleges and programs, Mavericks are partnering with local, regional, and national organizations to create lasting educational, social, and economic impact.

A Year of Campus-Wide Impact

In 2024–25, more than 8,000 students engaged with the community through coursework and service experiences in 504 engaged courses, partnering with 266 community organizations, schools, and businesses.

• 96% of students said engagement experiences gave them new, career-ready skills.

• 93% reported greater commitment to completing their degree.

• The Community Engaged Scholars designation grew 81% in two years.

• UNO student-athletes ranked Top 10 nationally for community service (Helper Helper).

Students also served hundreds of volunteer hours through Volunteer and Civic Engagement Programs (VCE), addressing food insecurity, supporting youth programs, and honoring Dr. King’s legacy during the MLK Day of Service.

Connect, Collaborate, and Create Impact

Behind every statistic are people and partnerships shaping the future of Nebraska. Whether you’re a community partner, educator, or student, the UNO Office of Engagement offers tools and resources to help transform ideas into impact.

Engagement Aligns with UNO's Strategic Pillars

Educating All Learners

• Led by faculty from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences and the Service Learning Academy, the new Service Learning Educator Badge recognizes instructors who design high-impact, community-based courses.
• More than 1,000 P–16 learners partnered with UNO students in service learning projects across 51ÉçÇø.

Research and Discovery

• Faculty and students from the College of Public Affairs and Community Service, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Information Science & Technology led $3.9 million in funded public service projects through ORCA—advancing justice reform, civic participation, and disaster planning with Indigenous communities.

Community Partnerships

• Faculty in the Grace Abbott School of Social Work and College of Communication, Fine Arts, and Media strengthened 51ÉçÇø’s social and cultural landscape through initiatives such as the .
• Programming at the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center fosters civic dialogue.

Workforce and Economic Development

• The program—led by Dr. Magie Hall in the College of Information Science & Technology and supported by NSF and Meta—equips adults experiencing homelessness with in-demand tech skills.
• Researchers in the Center for Public Affairs Research analyzed Nebraska’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program, revealing a 324% increase in property values in revitalized areas statewide.
• The Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC) welcomed over 86,000 visitors and provided $1.2 million in community benefits through free and low-cost space for local organizations.

Innovation and Leadership Across Campus

Engagement thrives through leadership at every level:

• The Faculty Fellows program brings together faculty from all colleges to advance service learning and mentor peers.
• Student microgrants fund volunteer-led projects with 51ÉçÇø nonprofits.
• UNO was recognized nationally by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge as a “Most Engaged Campus.”
• Faculty and staff serve on more than 80 community organization boards.
• Programs like the William Brennan Institute for Labor Studies and UNO Black Studies–Urban League of Nebraska partnership expand access to education and workforce development across the city.

Looking Ahead

As UNO prepares to pursue its third Carnegie Community Engagement Classification in 2025, the university is deepening its connections between research, learning, and public service.

Through shared purpose and partnership, Mavericks are transforming engagement into impact—strengthening 51ÉçÇø, Nebraska, and the communities they call home.

📘 Discover how collaboration drives impact— to see how campus and community are co-creating change across 51ÉçÇø and beyond.

How to Connect with Us

Discover our team and learn how to connect with us through our .

Follow or Like Us on Social

• - @unoengage
• - @unoengage
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• - UNO Office of Engagement

🤝 Let’s co-create—connect with us through our online form to explore partnership opportunities.