U.N.L.V. student helps child with a science experiment

Race Team U.N.L.V.

Community Well-Being

Keeping our community on track — in education, health, and social well-being — is a team effort. Sometimes, UNLV is in the driver’s seat, bringing transformative leadership to solve societal issues. Other times, we’re part of the pit crew, helping our partners reach the finish line. But no mat- ter the race, we know that when our community wins, we will all raise the checkered flag together.

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Patient visits to medical, dental, and mental health providers that are part of UNLV academic health programs

Landscape of Academic Mall on a Summer morning

Las Vegas is one of the fastest warming cities in the nation, but UNLV is working to reverse the "heat island" effect. The UNLV-led Las Vegas urban forestry initiative received a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service to educate residents of Clark County about the importance of trees in cities and add thousands of drought-tolerant trees to our community. These trees will create shade and help reduce temperatures.

young female student bumping fists with man behind table

Since 2010, the UNLV Food Pantry has helped members of the campus community with food insecurity. Thanks to a new monthly distribution event spearheaded by undergrad CindyRomina Ballesteros-Paniagua, the pantry is extending its reach to our neighbors. In the past year, the pantry tripled the number of clients served, reaching 3,125 people.

Children playing under a rainbow tent at Junior Rebels Camp.

Those random teacher in-service days can be a childcare nightmare for parents. UNLV is helping out with its Early Outreach Day Camps, held on the days when the local schools are closed but most parents still have to work. These full-day programs spotlight our academic offerings and give us a chance to show off our campus to future Rebels.

Two young students wearing lab coats and goggles during the Nevada Science Olympiad, hosted at UNLV.

From summer camps to science fairs and dentistry to drama, UNLV offers children of all ages ample opportunities to discover their future careers. A College of Sciences program, for example, pairs grad students with local schoolteachers to develop curriculum and conduct hands-on activities.

camera crew doing an interview

When state Sen. Dina Neal approached the Boyd Law School to help residents of Windsor Park, a historically black community built over a geologic fault, its students came up with a unique solution. They teamed up with counterparts in the College of Fine Arts. Their award-winning documentary brought long-overdue attention to the problem, compelled officials and developers to work together, and supported efforts to secure millions in funding for homeowner restitution.
 

UNLV student, Lushawn Threats, dedicates time to teach a Pre-K classroom at Earl N. Jenkins Elementary School in Las Vegas.

The College of Education’s many partnerships with the school district, charter schools, and private schools are addressing the teacher shortage and helping current teachers improve their skills. A new fast-track program, for example, is helping classroom support professionals earn degrees and become licensed, full-time teachers, all while remaining in their jobs.

Students analyzing wastewater in a lab

UNLV is building upon its wastewater surveillance program to build a system for detecting early signs of deadly outbreaks. The partnership with the Southern Nevada Health District, Southern Nevada Water Authority, and Desert Research Institute demonstrates UNLV’s proactive approach to safeguarding the region’s health.