Gulf South Summit 2026

UHD has been a long time member institution of the Gulf-South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Through Higher Education. The purpose of the summit is to promote networking among practitioners, research, ethical practices, reciprocal campus-community partnerships, sustainable programs, and a culture of engagement and public awareness through service-learning and other forms of civic engagement. Membership in the Gulf-South Summit Executive Committee consists of representatives from the following 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, and Virginia. Members may represent individual institutions or professional organizations such as Campus Compact.

In 2026, UHD hosted the conference from March 26th to 28th drawing hundreds in attendance and presenters from 48 universities and non-profits in addition to prestigious keynote speakers and panelists. The theme was Bridging the Bayou - Pathways of Community and focused around discussions of community connectivity, innovation, measurement, and collaboration. 

 

CCESL is very proud to have hosted such a successful Gulf South Summit and continues to be an active member institution.

Near Northside Project

University of Houston-Downtown is committed to working and growing with all of our community partners. One long term partner is the Near Northside.

An historic neighborhood, the Near Northside is not only UHD's geographical neighbor, many of our students, staff and faculty call the Near Northside home. As a demonstration of our commitment to improving our communities, the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning  announced the Near Northside Project Grants. CCESL committed to grants for community engagement projects spearheaded by UHD students, faculty or staff that focused on the Near Northside neighborhood.

Grants were made up to $2,500 per project. Of those funds, $500 were used as a stipend for projects with one leader, or $250 per leader for projects with up to three leaders. Students, faculty, and nonexempt staff were eligible for project leader stipends.

All projects for these grants occurred within the Near Northside neighborhood. For the purposes of this grant, the boundaries were: I-610 N (north), US-59 (east), I-10 excluding UHD properties (south), I-45 (west).

Strong preference was given to projects that were included on the list of goals and projects provided by community members and organizations of the Near Northside.