Public Impact Portfolio

The Public Impact Portfolio is the collection of activities and relationships, within Pitt and with our external partners, that ensure the University is contributing to the well-being of Pennsylvania and communities beyond. This portfolio connects people and resources across Pitt to address real-world challenges, strengthen the regional economy, and improve quality of life.

Our Approach

We invest in people, places, and partnerships that make our region stronger. Whether it’s revitalizing neighborhoods, helping local businesses grow, training skilled workers, or providing research that shapes policy, every effort is guided by one question: How can Pitt’s academic mission make life better for others?

Through the Public Impact Portfolio, Pitt fulfills four enduring roles in our communities and across Pennsylvania and beyond:

  • Partner in public problem-solving — tackling complex issues with communities, governments, and businesses.
  • Economic anchor for the Commonwealth — supporting jobs, investment, and local and small business growth.
  • Engine of lifelong learning and workforce development — providing opportunities for people at every stage of their careers and lives.
  • Committed neighbor — investing in the health, safety, and vitality of our surrounding communities.
Who Leads the Work?

Three primary units guide the portfolio, working with a network of centers, departments, and schools across Pitt.

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Office of Engagement and Community Affairs (ECA)

Leads partnerships with neighborhoods, nonprofits, schools, and local leaders to address community priorities and advance shared goals.

Explore ECA
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Economic Anchor Initiatives

Drives regional economic growth through anchor procurement and hiring, non-degree workforce programs, and collaboration with city, county, and state economic strategies.

Explore Economic Anchor Initiatives
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University Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR)

Provides trusted research, data analysis, and forecasting to inform decisions that improve communities and strengthen the region.

Explore UCSUR

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Pitt United Way

For decades, the United Way of Southwestern PA has collaborated with local programs and agencies to deliver health, education, and economic mobility-driven solutions to struggling children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, women, and families. 

And for decades, the Pitt community, through Pitt’s United Way Campaign, has been a significant contributor and partner—giving their time, energy, and resources—to help make an impact and difference in the lives of our neighbors.

Explore Pitt’s United Way Campaign

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An Unrelenting Focus on Storytelling

Storytelling is not an add-on to our public impact work — it is a core strategy.

Why It Matters: Stories make impact visible, personal, and memorable. Without them, the full value of our work is not understood.

The Result: Storytelling builds public trust and sparks a ripple effect by motivating more people at Pitt to take part in public impact work.