Initiatives

Community Partnerships

Pitt will continue to strengthen its campus and communities by creating a culture of shared responsibility for our impact on surrounding communities, the region, and the world. By connecting industry and community collaborators to support applied sustainability research and education, while accelerating the transfer of sustainability ideas from Pitt classrooms and laboratories through implementation on local and regional levels achieved in partnership.

Connecting Research with Community

The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation connects University research with local communities through long-term partnerships that address unmet needs, expand access to resources, and create meaningful, real-world impact.

MCSI's Community Engagement 

Explore Our Partnerships
Appalachian Bridges to the Future

Pitt partners with the Fayette County Cultural Trust to study and address local outmigration while giving students hands-on, community-based research experience.

Honors College Community Research Fellowships

Pitt Honors College Community Research Fellows collaborate with a nonprofit partner and faculty mentor to design research projects that explore key issues and promote positive social change.

Research Equity and Community Health

The Department of Psychiatry’s Research Equity and Community Health collaborative conducts impactful, community-partnered research to reduce health inequities for marginalized populations.

Rust to Resilience Center

R2R partners with communities and agencies to address industrial chemical exposures and promote resilient, sustainable public health.

Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory

The Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory partners with communities and researchers to study and improve regional water quality and public health.

Oasis Project

The Oasis Farm and Fishery produces fresh, local produce for residents and businesses in Homewood, which is considered a food desert.

In 2015, University of Pittsburgh student organization Pitt Hydroponics partnered with the Oasis Project to produce locally grown, fresh produce for the community and provide instruction in urban farming.  The urban micro-farm has produced food for Homewood neighbors as well as the Pitt Pantry.

Year of Engagement Grant Helps Pitt Hydroponics Club Expand Urban Greenhouse

Pitt Hydroponics Club and the Oasis Project build its new greenhouse at Oasis Farm and Fishery in Homewood.

Dr. David Sanchez, 2021 Soska Wilds Outreach and Engagement Leadership Awardee

One of Dr. Sanchez’s most impactful partnerships is with the Oasis Project, the outreach extension of Bible Center Church in Homewood.