UIC Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement

Today, we are reminded that freedom in America has been something that people have fought for, defended, and expanded. Today we honor the resilience of black communities, reflect on the unfinished work of equality, and recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive democracy where every voice is heard. Let us consider civic engagement, and how we as citizens are the movers of democracy and change, and continue to find ways to engage in our democratic systems.

More resources on Juneteenth can be found here: https://www.national-juneteenth.org/

Reminder: We want to hear from you: share your thoughts on Chicago Police reform! Join us on June 24th for our Consent Decree Listening Session.

The Consent Decree requires the CPD to provide constitutional policing that respects the rights of all Chicagoans, builds community trust, and promotes community and officer safety. Join Independent Monitor Maggie Hickey and the Independent Monitoring Team for a Community Listening Session, co-hosted by Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation, to share your thoughts on Chicago Police reform. Visit cpdmonitoringteam.com to learn more!

Follow this link to RSVP to the Listening Session: https://cpdmonitoringteam.com/register-for-the-upcoming-community-listening-session/

Happy Pride Month from the Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement at UIC! 🏳️‍🌈

In case you missed it, our Spring 2026 Inside IPCE Newsletter is out now! Click the link below to read more about this year's Urban Forum, our UPPF Research Symposium, our Civic Engagement Lunch Talk series, and our recent website updates 💌 https://mailchi.mp/5661076ba473/spring2026-at-ipce

We want to hear from you: share your thoughts on Chicago Police reform! Join us on June 24th for our upcoming Listening Session.

The Consent Decree requires the CPD to provide constitutional policing that respects the rights of all Chicagoans, builds community trust, and promotes community and officer safety. Join Independent Monitor Maggie Hickey and the Independent Monitoring Team for a Community Listening Session, co-hosted by Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation, to share your thoughts on Chicago Police reform. Visit cpdmonitoringteam.com to learn more!

Follow this link to RSVP to the Listening Session: https://cpdmonitoringteam.com/register-for-the-upcoming-community-listening-session/

Congratulations to our Urban Public Policy Fellowship (UPPF) Alum and 2026 Graduate Margarita Arango for being recognized in UIC Today’s article “How 3 exceptional spring grads made their mark at UIC”!

“Arango jumped in to lead at UIC, too. As president of the Student Advocacy Coalition, she helped UIC students meet with legislators in Springfield and Washington, D.C., to advocate for issues like research funding. She interned for Illinois Rep. David Vella and encouraged civic engagement on campus through her work with the Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement.”

Follow this link to read her spotlight, and congratulations to all 2026 UIC graduates! https://today.uic.edu/margarita-arango-turning-academic-excellence-into-public-impact/

Congratulations class of 2026! We are so proud of all of the UIC students graduating this spring, and look forward to following the immense impact you will have on the world 🎓

Congratulations to our Urban Public Policy Fellowship (UPPF) alum recipients of the 54th Annual Chancellors Student Service and Leadership Awards! 2026 UPPF fellows received awards spanning from The Jane Addams Distinguished Service Award, UIC Volunteer Service Award, and the Chancellor’s Student Service Award. Join us in congratulating these future leaders on their accomplishments! Follow this link to read more: https://ipce.uic.edu/news-stories/2026-uppf-alum-receive-54th-annual-chancellors-student-service-and-leadership-awards/

The Jane Addams Distinguished Service Award
Harshil Choudary, '25 Alum

UIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
Harshil Choudhary, '25 Alum
Nevaeh Gullette, '25 Alum

CHANCELLOR’S STUDENT SERVICE AWARD
Margarita Arango, '24 Alum
Priscilla Obikili, '25 Alum
Dea Talelli, '25 Alum
Nick Tunks, '25 Alum
Devonte West, '25 Alum