Values In Action

The University of Minnesota has played an integral role in the history of Minnesota. Most people are aware of the University’s education and research roles. Lesser known but equally important to its mission is outreach. The University has outlined as a principal role in its trifold mission:

Outreach and Public Service

Extend, apply, and exchange knowledge between the University and society by applying scholarly expertise to community problems, by helping organizations and individuals respond to their changing environments, and by making the knowledge and resources created and preserved at the University accessible to the citizens of the state, the nation, and the world.

The Office for Business & Community Economic Development is a critical component of the University’s outreach mission. The office collaborates with government, businesses, and community organizations to reduce poverty and unemployment and to improve the quality of life in urban neighborhoods by emphasizing sustainable development that is economically and ecologically sound. The office also seeks to empower diverse communities by developing initiatives and programs that create opportunities for businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups, including women, people of color, and people with disabilities.

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