Who We Are

Founded in 2012, The University of Maryland's Office of Community Engagement (OCE) enhances University and community partnerships by sparking new ideas, cultivating connections, and supporting meaningful collaboration. We listen to community priorities, connect people with similar goals, amplify community voices, and mobilize volunteers to address critical resident-identified challenges and opportunities.

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girl touching testudo — Young student rubbing Testudo's nose for good luck at Estudios Universitarios a su Alcance (A College Education is Within Your Reach).

Our Mission

The Office of Community Engagement connects the University of Maryland to surrounding neighborhoods by creating mutually collaborative educational, business, government, and community partnerships.

UMD students Jihyo Park '26 and Kylie Wisniewski '26 along with Professor Ana Patricia Rodriguez, History Department staff member Gail Russell and Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Carlo Colella volunteering for Good Neighbor Day at Hollywood Elementary School.

Our Vision

By cultivating strong, meaningful relationships, the Office of Community Engagement contributes to and champions the University's commitment to developing College Park and neighboring communities.

College Park Dream Team Game — College Park Dream Team is a basketball partnership designed to strengthen relationships between local youth and law enforcement agencies.

Our Guiding Principles

Respect for the diverse knowledge and experiences of residents
Collaboration in all efforts
Trust and transparency between campus and community partners
Intentionality in efforts and energy
Sustainability in all aspects of decision-making