Volunteerism Bridging Universities and Their Neighbors

Universities bordering impoverished neighborhoods can do more to improve living conditions, according to the founders of LIFT, a group that trains volunteers. The group is featured on this week's episode of Smart City.

1 minute read

January 2, 2010, 1:00 PM PST

By Nate Berg


Carol Coletta talks with Ben Reuler about efforts to engage universities with the neighborhoods that surround them.

"Ten years ago, two undergrads from Yale noticed the fundamental gap between their university and the community surrounds it. To bridge this divide they formed the volunteer training organization that's now known as LIFT. We'll speak with Ben Reuler, the executive director of LIFT Chicago, about harnessing the energy of students to engage them in the community and help combat poverty."

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 in Smart City

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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