The People of ESLARP

The East St. Louis Action Research Project is a Community Engagement program within the College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Under the Direction of the Dean of the College, a Campus Advisory Committee (CAC) comprised of diverse faculty from across the University work together to provide expertise in their field. The Committee meets regularly to work on highly tangible and visible projects that address the immediate and long-term needs of the community.

In addition to Campus Staff, ESLARP maintains a local presence in East St. Louis to assist the increasing number of residents and neighborhood organizations active in physical, economic or social development projects. ESLARP seeks to enhance the quality of life in East St. Louis and the surrounding communities. ESLARP Staff assist residents, non-profit groups, faith-based organizations and municipal agencies in formulating strategies for meeting their technical assistance and training needs in the areas of community organization, neighborhood planning, building and urban design, grant writing, digital technology and non-profit management by connecting them to Faculty and students on the University of Illinois' Urbana Campus.

Since 2004, ESLARP has employed up to 13 Graduate Assistants who work closely with neighborhood organizations, attend monthly neighborhood meetings and provide technical assistance to our community partners. In addition to meeting the needs of our partners, students gain valuable knowledge and experience working hands-on with their neighborhood partner.