We offer staff- and student-led programs that reflect our mission and commitment to using dialogue, action, and reflection to advance positive change in the world.
The Y is home to student organizations focused on social justice, environmental protection, faith in action and global engagement. Find one that fits and learn how to get involved.
Gatherings open to all students and the community.

Art @ the Y seeks to engage the entire community in issues of social justice, international understanding, environmental activism, faith and cultural understanding through quality arts programming. It's always free and open to the public.
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A weekly forum to learn about and discuss pressing public concerns while enjoying free lunch from the Y Eatery. Friday Forum has been a continually running program at the University YMCA since 1927. Since 2021 the Y has partnered with Center for Civic Education & Justice at the University of Illinois and their Conversation Café.
Learn more →Support for students who lead, serve and pursue higher education.

We award over $200,000 to undergraduate and graduate students with a strong record of leadership, scholarship, and a history of community service and volunteering.
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The Education For All Scholarship’s intended purpose is to fund undocumented community college/high school students, or community college/high school students who arrived in the U.S. as unaccompanied minors in their pursuit of higher education at Parkland College.
Learn more →Ongoing work on democracy, sustainability, faith and welcoming new neighbors.

The University YMCA is committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive democracy that works for everyone.
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Dump & Run® keeps over 30 tons of used, quality goods out of Champaign-Urbana’s dumpsters and landfills each year. This project reduces litter and consumer waste, saves space in landfills, and provides inexpensive items for folks to purchase in the fall. (Note: Facilities & Services at the University of Illinois coordinates a separate Dump & Run program during move-out week in May. The University YMCA is not involved with that spring effort.)
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It seems like wherever you look, you’ll find stories and images of religious strife, hatred, and violence. We work to change the narrative around religious difference by inviting those of all faiths and none to develop shared understanding and act with common purpose.
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The New American Welcome Center is a program of the University YMCA and seeks to make Champaign County a place where all people can live, thrive and contribute.
Learn more →See current opportunities to volunteer with or help lead any of these programs.
Browse nearly 1,500 Friday Forums across 100 years, plus our 150th-anniversary collection.
Browse the archive
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.