# Community & Civic Engagement Initiatives

**Source**: https://afam.yale.edu/programs-events/programs/community-civic-engagement-initiatives
**Parent**: https://afam.yale.edu/programs-events

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Programs

# Community & Civic Engagement Initiatives

The House is at the intersection of Yale and the New Haven Community.  The history and purpose of The House are directly tied to supporting and representing the needs of New Haven.

The House’s youth empowerment opportunities, arts events, tutoring and signature events are free and open to the local community. Local artists showcase artwork in the gallery, and community individuals and organizations are welcome to [rent space in The House](https://afam.yalecollege.yale.edu/facilities/room-reservations) for their events. 

For information on any of these offerings, please contact [afamhousecei@gmail.com](mailto:afamhousecei@gmail.com).

## Youth Empowerment Programming

The House offers a number of events and initiatives that are free and open to the general New Haven community to empower youth and families.

### Urban Improvement Corps (UIC)

Established in 1968, this student-operated program offers free tutoring and mentoring to local students in grades K-12. 

- [Learn more about the Urban Improvement Corps](https://dwighthall.org/urban-improvement-corps/)

### Higher Education Initiative (HEI)

Yale students design and lead workshops for youth in the foster care system that focus on postsecondary educational and career opportunities in various cities around the country. HEI is a national program and The House is a proud partner.  

- (HEI Website)

### MLK Open Mic & Events

The House coordinates  that bring together the local and university artist communities to honor the legacy of Dr. King, to build solidarity, and to inspire action towards civic engagement. 

## Experiential & Service-Learning

The House coordinates service learning and civic engagement trips to explore historical and contemporary aspects of the African Diaspora. These offerings are often connected with faculty, administrator, Slifka and alumni leaders who facilitate participants’ learning and civic leadership. Trips are announced campus wide and are in and outside of the United States.  

To learn more about these initiatives, please contact [afamhousecei@gmail.com](mailto:afamhousecei@gmail.com)