Overview

Northwestern’s dynamic alumni network is an invaluable resource for current students seeking guidance and career options. For alumni, collaboration with current students can add a lot to the strength of their own organizations. The Center for Civic Engagement aims to enhance these connections—partnering civically-minded alumni with students who share similar passions. Here are some ideas for how to develop these kinds of partnerships:

Stay Connected

• Subscribe to CCE’s email digest to stay up-to-date with the latest programs, events and opportunities at Northwestern and in the community.
• If you’re still in the Chicagoland area, consider hosting an intern or class field experience at your organization. There are a variety of programs at Northwestern that combine coursework with internships or field experiences at area non-profits and community organizations. Contact the Center for further details.
• Be a mentor or host site for the Public Interest Program (PIP). PIP is a fellowship which connects recent graduates with local organizations, alumni, and community partners to explore careers in the public interest.
• To connect with our growing network of civically engaged alumni, join the NU Civically Engaged Alumni group on LinkedIn.

Overview

As a large, decentralized institution with three different campuses, it can be difficult for local organizations to know how and with whom to connect. While there’s no simple solution to this challenge, here are some suggestions for prospective community partners interested in exploring collaboration with the University:

Opportunities to Connect

• Subscribe to CCE’s email digest to stay up-to-date with the latest programs, events and opportunities at Northwestern and in the community. You can also contact us to submit prospective volunteer or internship opportunities for the digest.
• Consider hosting an undergraduate or graduate student intern. The Center runs a variety of programs that can help you build capacity for your organization. If we cannot find a good fit, there are other programs at the University that we can suggest. If you are a nonprofit or public-interest organization interested in hosting an intern, contact us.
• Host students for a field experience or service project at your organization. Programs like Engage Chicago and the Civic Engagement Certificate Program often bring groups of students to meet with staff at local non-profits and civic organizations to learn more about community work. Visit the CCE programs page for more information or contact us.
• Attend an event at Northwestern. One simple way to connect with Northwestern is to attend one of the many campus events free and open to the public. Learn more about open events and other resources for the local community at Neighborhood and Community Relations.

Recent Partnerships

CCE strives to facilitate mutually-beneficial experiences for students and community partners, whether through public programming, experiential learning, or volunteer opportunities. Below are a few examples of recent partnerships:

• Extending the work of Engage Chicago interns, CCE partnered with the Chicago 400 Alliance to produce a virtual program about public conviction registries and housing banishment laws.
• Every year, students in the Civic Engagement Certificate Program work with community partners on a capstone project relevant to the organization’s mission and goals.
• CCE maintains an ongoing partnership with Shorefront Legacy Center to collect oral histories from Evanston’s Black residents.