News

2026 day of caring

Sign up for the 2026 Day of Caring!

Pitt faculty and staff are invited to join us for a day of giving back and engaging with community partners who would benefit from extra help.
ribbon cutting for the cec in the hill district

Pitt’s newest Community Engagement Center honors the history and supports the future of Pittsburgh’s Hill District

Nearly 500 people gathered in the Hill District Aug. 12 to honor the neighborhood’s vibrant history, celebrate the first stage of the revitalization of the historic New Granada Theater and usher in an exciting future at Pitt’s new Community Engagement Center.
cec in homewood community day

As the school year begins, Pitt’s CECs welcome neighbors, students and new partnerships

As students prepare to return to classrooms this fall, Pitt’s Community Engagement Centers (CECs) are preparing for a new academic year of their own.
attendees at a 2025 block party in north oakland

2026 Be A Good Neighbor Block Parties

This September, join the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs throughout Oakland for fun, food, prizes, meeting your neighbors, and making connections!
a person receives an eye exam

This van delivers vision care to underinsured people across the Pittsburgh region

Some of Pitt’s neighbors are getting a fresh perspective — thanks to free vision care from the Department of Ophthalmology’s Eyes on Wheels program. In partnership with the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, the program brought its signature van to Hazelwood Towers, a senior low-income housing apartment unit.
the pitt academy event in greater hazelwood panel discussion

Biomanufacturing, workforce development and community partnerships improve life and lives in Greater Hazelwood

In Greater Hazelwood, biomanufacturing, workforce development and community partnerships are shaping the future of the neighborhood that sits along the Monongahela River where a nearby sprawling former brownfield is transitioning into a sustainability, research and innovation tech hub.
jazz theater space at the cec in the hill district

Hill District CEC provides learning, engagement in fresh, versatile environment

During a mid-April tour of the space, Keith Caldwell, executive director of place-based initiatives in the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, said the Hill District CEC provides a now-permanent focal point and gathering place for a broad range of people and activities.
an overhead view of oakland

Pitt successfully renewed its Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement

The University of Pittsburgh has once again earned the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a national designation recognizing institutions with strong, long-term partnerships that benefit both universities and the communities they serve.
mark burdsall and his family at the 2023 christmas day at pitt

After 20 years, Christmas Day at Pitt is still bringing joy and connection to the community

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Christmas Day at Pitt has become one of the University’s most enduring community traditions, when Pitt staff, faculty, students, retirees and their families come together to serve local residents who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.
greater hazelwood

How Pitt is preparing Greater Hazelwood residents for emerging life sciences jobs

Pitt’s Neighborhood Commitment in Greater Hazelwood is launching the Life Sciences Bridge Program, a paid 50-hour job readiness program that introduces young adults living in the Pittsburgh neighborhood to entry-level roles in the life sciences.
christmas day at pitt

You're invited to the 20th annual Christmas Day at Pitt!

You're invited to the 20th annual Christmas Day at Pitt! Join in the merriment of the holidays at Pitt where all guests receive a delicious holiday meal, gifts for children, and winter accessories for adults.
an array of canned food items on a table

Pittsburgh-Area Food Drives and Distributions

With the recent cuts to food assistance benefits, many community partners are organizing food and supply drives and distributions to support our neighbors and ensure that everyone has access to enough food. 

rendering of new granada theater

CEC in the Hill District Moving to the New Granada Theater in Early 2026

The University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center in the Hill District is moving to its new home in the historic New Granada Theater in early 2026.
day of caring volunteer vacuuming a floor at Peoples Oakland

Pitt’s Day of Caring connected volunteers and the community

108 faculty, staff and students said yes to helping their neighbors on Oct. 17.
vernard alexander

2 Pitt people were named Larry’s Hometown Heroes by KDKA

Vernard Alexander, director of Pitt's CEC in Homewood, has been named one of Larry's Hometown Heroes.