Urban Impact

Point Park University's location in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh provides a unique opportunity and responsibility to contribute to the future of our city. 

The Center for Civic & Community Engagement brings together students, faculty, researchers, community organizations, businesses and public agencies to better understand urban challenges and partner on developing practical, sustainable solutions that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life. 

Through collaborative research, community partnerships and applied learning, we seek to transform ideas into action while preparing students to become thoughtful leaders in urban communities. 

Our Focus Areas

The CCE works proactively with partners to respond to community needs and explore emerging opportunities and challenges facing Downtown Pittsburgh and the region. 

Examples include: 

• Neighborhood and community asset mapping  
• Downtown quality of life initiatives  
• Public space activation  
• Sustainability and environmental projects  
• Community research and data analysis  
• Civic innovation and design thinking  
• Cross-sector collaboration  
• Applied student consulting projects 

Community Conversations 

Cities grow stronger when people come together to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and imagine new possibilities. The CCE hosts and supports public programs that encourage dialogue around issues affecting Pittsburgh and communities across the region. 

Featured programs: 

TEDx Point Park University: An independently licensed TEDx event that brings together innovators, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to share ideas that inspire action and strengthen our region 

Just Films Festival:  An annual film festival that uses documentary and narrative storytelling to spark dialogue around social issues, civic engagement, equity, and community change through screenings and conversations with filmmakers, scholars, and community leaders. 

Community Forums: Convening community leaders, students, and residents to discuss pressing issues affecting downtown Pittsburgh and the region, including youth engagement, public safety, neighborhood vitality, and other emerging civic challenges. 

Featured Research 

Our Community Engagement & Leadership doctoral students and faculty are conducting research that addresses real challenges facing urban communities. 

Recent projects include: 

• Where Can We Go?: Improving restroom access in Downtown Pittsburgh and its impact on residents, visitors and businesses.  
• Taking Out the Trash: Reimagining Pittsburgh's Alleyways through sustainable design and community engagement.

• BOMA Member Impact Survey (in progress). Members of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Pittsburgh are working to strengthen their impact in the region 

• Pittsburgh Youth Ecosystem (in progress). Thanks to a generous grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the CCE is currently mapping the youth ecosystem in the region, including work being done by K-12 school districts and Youth-Serving organizations 

These projects demonstrate how applied scholarship can generate practical recommendations for community partners while creating valuable learning experiences for students.