Over the past several years, Lincoln University has run numerous community outreach programs that have sought to enhance the lives of those individuals living in the surrounding community. The Lincoln Village located less than a quarter of a mile from the main campus is a highly-challenged, low-income community.

Despite the reality of economics, the community has made a commitment to Lincoln University, while on the same note, Lincoln has made a commitment to the community. Through well developed programs designed to encourage educational pursuits and self-improvement, Lincoln University has enlisted students for the past several years to engage in, administer and instruct community children in the Umoja After School Program. This initiative has been very successful and hopes to move into what promises to be another successful year. In the Umoja Program, Lincoln students from a wide cross section of disciplines are gathered together to assist area children with homework, class instruction, tutoring, basic mentoring, and life training. There is no substitute for having access to options. The exposure the area children recieve to Lincoln students gives them a whole new view on life, growing up, and, in some cases, college or further education becomes a part of future planning.

As an institution, Lincoln University is proud of what it has accomplished in such a relatively short time; in particular with the overwhelming response we have received from our students those wishing to be involved in any way, shape or form. In the near future, the university seeks to expand its community offerings through educational programs geared toward parents and guardians; all in an attempt to better prepare all of our community constituents. The success of any community outreach initiative is contingent on the level commitment the initiative enjoys from its institution. We have been successful because our institution supports this initiative, which is why, through the volunteer efforts, we have had such a high level of involvement in our service learning projects from our most important contributor, our students. Lincoln University takes pride in endorsing and signing the Presidents Declaration on the Civic Responsibility of Higher Education.