Institute for Professional and Community Engagement
The Institute for Professional and Community Engagement (IPCE) is a School of Business hub that offers opportunities for students to develop professionally and give back to society.
IPCE’s Mission
We aspire to create a culture of excellence that transforms students into global citizens willing to be drivers of change.
IPCE’s Background and Objectives
The institute is dedicated to fostering a culture of lifelong learning, community outreach, and professional growth among students. IPCE offers a range of opportunities for students to develop new skills, gain hands-on experience, and collaborate with industry and nonprofit professionals. The Institute for Professional and Community Engagement is focused on achieving the following three objectives:
To enable community outreach: IPCE is committed to giving back to the community by working with nonprofit organizations and community groups. Through a range of community outreach initiatives, students make a positive impact. These programs enable them to develop empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by communities while also contributing their skills, knowledge, and time to make a meaningful difference.
To cultivate relationships with businesses and nonprofit organizations: Through partnerships with these entities, IPCE helps students gain firsthand knowledge of business decision-making. In turn, students assist organizations to develop solutions to meet today’s challenges. Students are able to access a wealth of resources, knowledge, and expertise.
To provide students professional development: IPCE accomplishes this by offering executive-level access and high-impact programs that align classroom content and practical application, keeping students up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices, and helping them develop core career skills.
Seven High-Impact Programs That Deliver on the IPCE Mission
The Institute is committed to expanding the learning environment beyond the realm of the classroom so that students can benefit from real-world business practices. As the D.K. Hardin Center seeks to provide hands-on learning experiences for students, businesses and organizations are invited to submit their marketing challenges. The result is win-win: Students gain valuable, practical experience while businesses gain a partner dedicated to providing actionable solutions.
In its soft launch and led by a School of Business faculty member, this rigorous program provides students with hands-on experience studying asset allocation, investment in financial markets, and financial analysis of market sectors and individual companies while managing $1.0 million of the University’s endowment.
Elmhurst Edge compliments any major and sharpens student’s professional and people skills. Elmhurst Edge courses focus on the critical skills required for success: communication, leadership, teamwork, technology savvy, and critical thinking. The courses allow students to apply what they have learned both inside and outside of the classroom. Applying what they learn with a group of their peers gives students the tools to build their resume and the skills to be successful post-graduation.
Faculty/student collaboration both within and outside the classroom enables students to apply classroom content to real world challenges. It also fosters community engagement beyond Elmhurst University. A sample of community partners include Family Shelter Services of Metropolitan DuPage, Brewpoint Coffee, DAK DAK Korean Wings, Brookfield Zoo, Elmhurst Art Museum, and Northlake and other area libraries.
The institute conducts research on relevant logistics and supply chain management concerns, interests, and problems. In conjunction with faculty, this allows students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real world problems.
IPCE, in partnership with the University’s Weigand Center for Professional Excellence (WCPE), provides a robust offering of internships in the corporate and not for profit sectors. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in multiple internships during their academic journey.
Students work with professional partners in our comprehensive for credit mentoring program. Students are paired with a mentor based on their major, goals and interests. Together, our students and mentors build relationships that help students develop professionally and build the foundation of a professional network.
Upcoming Event
A full day with Lee Cockerell, Former EVP, Operations, at Walt Disney World Resort. The October 17, 2024, event will include:
- Elmhurst University School of Business Student Book Discussion
- Small Business: Helping Businesses Grow and Scale – Purchase Tickets
- You Can Create Disney Magic Too Keynote – Purchase Tickets