Project Cities is an innovative university-community partnership program, based on the international EPIC-N model. The program connects students and faculty to applied projects that advance a local community's sustainability goals, guided by the SDGs. This effort leverages the research and discovery already taking place at the university to advance local efforts, making a win-win partnership with real-world impact. Learn more at
http://projectcities.asu.edu --
Join Project Cities and the City of Peoria to co-develop class projects for the 2021-2022 academic year. Peoria staff from 9 departments will join for a virtual workshop to develop proposed project scopes and discuss new ideas, with the aim of matching you and your students to a real project with real impacts. The program is designed to support most class formats and work across disciplines.
We are currently recruiting faculty to support the upcoming program cycle. Get in on the opportunity to meet our community partners early and secure an applied project for your students. Both prospective and returning faculty are encouraged to attend.
This will be a *virtual* event with the freedom to move between round-table breakouts with various city departments, to discuss collaboration opportunities and learn more about their proposed projects.
Proposed projects vary widely across departments and are too numerous to list here. Some projects proposed include (but are certainly not limited to):
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Investigating gaps in food security networks and human service needs with Neighborhood and Human Services
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Exploring "mental health court" programs, and diversion mechanisms to prevent violence and abuse with Peoria Police Department and Peoria City Court
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Designing and envisioning installations in the public sphere to support future placemaking efforts with Planning and Zoning
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Identifying best practices in recycling challenging materials and developing educational programs with Public Works
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Researching community forestry plans to inform Parks & Recreation's efforts to increase local tree canopy
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Drafting local ordinances to start a public mural program with the City Manager's Office
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Planning for increased water needs commensurate with population growth, and enhanced water treatment strategies with the Water Services Department
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Crafting an informed transition strategy for city-wide vehicle fleet electrification
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And more!
Don't see a good fit here? There are more than 20 potential projects currently on the table, but please don't hesitate to propose something new! Our partners are open to new ideas about how your students can best support community initiatives. Wherever there's a match between city priorities and educational needs, we will support your applied projects! If you have any questions or wish to ask about a specific project topic, please contact
projectcities@asu.edu.
**Please share this event with any other faculty in your network who may benefit from facilitation support in conducting hands-on educational projects with students and municipal partners.**
