The most urgent and persistent problems challenging our communities cannot be solved alone. We must work together. Partner. Collaborate. Reach across boundaries. That’s the belief and hopeful calling of DU Grand Challenges (DUGC), that together we can develop, implement, and pursue actions that make a real impact for our communities. A university-wide initiative powered by the Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship & Learning (CCESL), DU Grand Challenges supports community-engaged work that builds toward our vision of a world in which all communities thrive.  

Three Actions for Thriving Communities

Communities thrive when each of has what we need to fully live, work, and participate in the social fabric that holds us all together. DU Grand Challenges is dedicated to making that vision a reality. To do so, DUGC works across three interconnected action areas, informed and fueled by robust community partnerships and programs.

  • A

    Improve Daily Living

    We work in partnership with communities to tackle the complex issues that affect daily living, from food and housing insecurity, to safety, just sustainability, and migration. 

  • B

    Increase Economic Opportunity

    We engage with communities to develop shared understanding of barriers and prospects to increasing economic opportunity such as education access, employment rights and workplace equity.

  • C

    Advance Deliberation & Action for the Public Good

    We collaborate with communities to inspire civic engagement, amplify youth voice, prepare new leaders, and strengthen our connections to one another.