A UC student volunteer and her young mentee during a Zoo Mates outing last year.

The Center for Community Engagement is committed to partnerships and programs that increase opportunity and improve quality of life around Greater Cincinnati and beyond. Other key programs include:

Zoo Mates–– UC students and homeless elementary students attending Cincinnati Public Schools walk on the wild side in this innovative mentoring program. Mentors and young students meet twice a month ––once in the classroom and a second time at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, where they're treated to behind-the-scenes tours and animal shows. The interactions prove to be educational and helpful in creating crucial bonds between the young students and their college counterparts.

Into the Streets–– Nearly 200 UC volunteers march into the neighborhoods of Cincinnati for one day each year in this citywide beautification effort, which included everything from building a Habitat for Humanity home for Avondale residents to picking up litter in Clifton's business district.

Hoxworth blood drives–– The center helps support Hoxworth's blood drives on UC's campus throughout the year. At last year's fall drive, nearly 700 volunteers donated blood.

Green-Up Day–– As part of a partnership with Cincinnati Parks, 150 volunteers from UC spent the 2008 event cleaning up Burnet Woods.

Walk for a Just Community–– This annual event raises funds for Bridges, an organization that promotes equity for all in the Greater Cincinnati area, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. In 2007, 165 members of the UC community participated as walkers, raising more than $200,000. The 2008 event will be held Oct. 18 at the Freedom Center.

Links
ZooMates blog and photos