Skip to content
Community Partnerships
Resources
Rush Rhees Library on the University of Rochester’s River Campus, with the Rochester skyline in the distance.

Stronger communities, together

We connect community organizations with people and resources across the University to build partnerships grounded in shared goals, mutual benefit, and lasting impact.

Community partnerships built on listening.

Meaningful partnerships begin with listening. We start by understanding community priorities, recognizing existing expertise, and defining a shared vision for success.

This approach creates collaborations rooted in trust, reciprocity, and a sustained commitment to the communities we serve.

Choose your next step

Partnerships across URochester

Collaboratory will bring together projects connecting University faculty, staff, and students with community organizations throughout the Rochester region.

Coming soon

Our community impact

Discover how the University contributes to the economic, educational, cultural, and civic life of Rochester and the surrounding region.
Portrait of Shaun Nelms, vice president for community partnerships.

Meet Shaun Nelms

Shaun Nelms, EdD, serves as vice president for community partnerships, helping the University cultivate stronger, mutually beneficial relationships across Rochester, Monroe County, and beyond.

Read about Shaun’s appointment

Community partnerships in action

Stories of collaboration, research, and University initiatives making an impact across Rochester and the surrounding region.

More community news
The Memorial Art Gallery exterior featuring a large banner that reads

Memorial Art Gallery sets May 1, 2027, start date for free admission

Thu, 08 Oct 2026

A surge of donor support has accelerated MAG’s timeline for expanding access to art and cultural education across the region.
Jess Gale stands outside her store, The Siren and the Sea: Books and Coffee.

The Siren and the Sea: An odyssey, of sorts

Wed, 02 Sep 2026

For Rochester independent bookshop owner Jess Gale ’04, community is essential to both the journey and the destination.
Baby sleeping safely in crib.

URochester’s Mt. Hope Family Center now home to the Baby Safe Sleep Coalition

Mon, 10 Aug 2026

The historic partnership and public health investment aim to reduce preventable infant deaths in Monroe County.
John Blackshear against a white background next to blue text that reads

What crime and prison reveal about incarceration—and about us

Wed, 22 Jul 2026

URochester researchers on how childhood trauma, parental incarceration, and even discipline in schools shape criminal justice outcomes.
Shaun Nelms sitting in a classroom with a group of students.

URochester-East partnership receives national community-engaged award

Thu, 12 Feb 2026

The partnership between URochester and East High School received national recognition for advancing student success and community impact.
A University of Rochester student carries a bucket and shovel while smiling during a community service activity that helped result in the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for the institution.

URochester renewed with Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

Tue, 20 Jan 2026

The designation recognizes the University’s institutional commitment and excellence to community engagement.
Aerial view of the University of Rochester campus with the city of Rochester's skyline in the background on a clear, sunny day.

New report highlights URochester’s reach as economic engine

Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Growth in the University’s scientific, education, community, and healthcare missions generates a significant impact on the region’s economy.
The exterior game park at the Strong Museum of Play.

Let’s play! URochester and The Strong Museum partner to advance research and innovation

Wed, 03 Dec 2025

The collaboration expands opportunities for education, innovation, and community engagement through the power of play.
A teacher and three students wade in a creek as part of the curriculum at their rural schools in New York State.

Transforming what’s possible for rural schools

Mon, 24 Nov 2025

How the Warner School’s wide-ranging programs are strengthening the educators, students, and communities at the heart of rural New York.

More ways to engage

Community partnership work takes many forms across the University.

Center for Community Engagement

Connect with student learning, community-engaged education, and service opportunities.

University engagement and enrichment

Explore programs and partnerships that strengthen connection, belonging, and dialogue across the University and beyond.

Government and community relations

Learn about the University’s relationships with governmental bodies, neighborhoods, and community organizations.

Industry and research partnerships

Connect with University innovations through licensing, sponsored research, and co-development opportunities.

Global partnerships

Find resources for developing international collaborations, institutional agreements, and shared academic opportunities.

Admissions partnerships

Connect with programs that expand college access through relationships with schools and community organizations.

Community health and prevention

Find programs, resources, and partnership opportunities that support healthier lives across the Rochester region.

Community music partnerships

Connect with Eastman School of Music programs that expand access to music education and performance across Rochester.

Memorial Art Gallery for educators

Find PreK–12 teaching resources, professional development workshops, and support for bringing art into the classroom.

Check Your Health

Hear Shaun Nelms and University experts discuss health topics, community concerns, and helpful local resources on WDKX.

Let’s begin a conversation

Strong partnerships start with a shared understanding of what is possible. Contact the Office of Community Partnerships to tell us about your organization, your goals, and how you hope to work with the University of Rochester.

Name(Required)