Y-Affiliated Student Organizations
We support student organizations.
We respect, celebrate, and invest in student-led organizations that are seeking to create positive change that is consistent with our mission. We find ways to enable students to put their values into action.
We connect student organizations and leaders with our dedicated staff team, who can assist with organizational development, fundraising strategies, and connecting with students who share similar interests.
We encourage students to take risks, press forward with innovative program ideas, and focus on self-care so that they can bring their best to whatever goals they've set.
We believe that skills in leadership, advocacy, and activism are best honed in a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment like the University YMCA.
We invite you to explore whether affiliation is a smart strategy for your group.
Student Organization Benefits
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Support of staff and community members at the Y
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Free reservations of University Y rooms (Latzer Hall, Murphy Gallery, and the Board Room)
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Free black and white printing
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Representation on the University YMCA Student Board
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Free workshops, leadership development opportunities, and helpful resources
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A free Busey bank account to manage organization funds
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Representation on the University Y website and social medias
Resources for Current Student Organizations
Y Student Organization Events
In The News
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Current Y-Affiliated Student Organizations
Students for Environmental Concerns
Students for Environmental Concerns seeks to educate students and the community on environmental issues and work toward positive environmental change on local to global scales, including advocating for people of color and acknowledging their disproportionate environmental burden.
Our goals are to:
- Create an inclusive sustainable community on campus
- Work to engage with the stability, integrity, and beauty of the natural world
- Promote and participate in the sustainable food revolution
- Pursue clean energy on and off campus, including holding the university accountable for its participation in the climate crisis
- Advocate for environmental justice and communities of color
In 2025, SECS absorbed the Y-Affiliated organization, Grow2Give. Grow2Give is empowering communities through fresh food access and education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign through building, maintaining, planting, harvesting, and donating fresh produce from garden beds, hosting environmental education programming such as workshops, guest speaker series, and hands-on volunteer opportunities to expand community knowledge of sustainable fresh produce gardening.
La Colectiva
La Colectiva is a student organization at the University of Illinois that exists to address the challenges faced by the immigrant community within Champaign-Urbana. Their mission is to advocate social justice and change on behalf of all immigrants through grassroots initiatives.
Apply to be a Y-Affiliated Student Organization Today!
The University YMCA dedicates staff support, space at the Y, printing, student board representation, and resources according to each affiliated organization’s need. Anybody can become a Full Member, including students!
We are accepting applications until October 25, 2026 for 2026-2027.
Support the University YMCA Today!
With your support we offer and champion a diverse set of programs and student organizations committed to social justice, environmental protection, interfaith cooperation and global engagement by fostering dialogue, reflection and action.