Community Initiatives

Center for Social Justice
On the Main Campus, the Center for Social Justice (CSJ) coordinates the University’s direct service work in the local community. CSJ runs three staff-led K-12 education programs, supports dozens of student-led service organizations, leads local and national service projects, and supports faculty in community-based pedagogy and research. 

John Thompson, Jr. Legacy of A Dream Award
Every year the University recognizes the work of an inspiring local leader that embodies Dr. King’s legacy and is making a demonstrated impact in the city, and embarks on a year of sustained partnership with the awardee and his/her organization. Georgetown honors him or her at a free concert at the Kennedy Center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 

Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy
For many years Georgetown University has partnered with Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools. Faculty, staff, and students from Georgetown support educational opportunities for students and professional development for faculty and staff on Chavez’s 3 campuses, including:

• Professor Doug Reed provides professional development to Chavez teachers
• University Information Services assisted the development of a technology plan for the Chavez campus
• Georgetown University hosted the 2014 Public Policy Symposium

Cristo Rey Network & Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School Partnership
Georgetown has been an active partner in the Cristo Rey Network, a network of 37 quality Catholic, college preparatory high schools for underrepresented urban youth. University representatives serve on the Network’s board of directors and support the local Cristo Rey high school, Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School in Takoma Park, MD. Every year, the University employs over a dozen Don Bosco students as part of the school’s work study program, hosts a variety of orientation and training programs for area Cristo Rey students, and many members of the Georgetown community volunteer their time at the school.

Raise DC
Georgetown University is a member of Raise DC, a public-private partnership created to promote an integrated approach across sectors to provide every DC youth with opportunities to succeed from cradle to career.