Joint initiatives that involve co-planning, shared research, or program development with community partners.
Community Relations
The Office of Corporate Relations (OCR) partners with nonprofits, community-based organizations, foundations, and public-sector agencies to strengthen education, economic mobility, health, and overall community well-being.
Why Partner With Howard?
These collaborations are rooted in Howard's mission of excellence in truth and service and built on shared priorities. By connecting partners with students, faculty, and resources, OCR co-create solutions that produce measurable impact and expand opportunities for the communities we serve.
Engage With Us
OCR welcomes partnerships with nonprofits, community organizations, foundations, and public-sector agencies committed to strengthening communities in the areas of education, health, economic mobility, and engagement. Explore partnership opportunities with us.
Become a Community Partner
Ready to get started? Engage with us.
How Partnership Works
Designing partnership models at Howard University is a collaborative, strategic process. We work closely with each company to co-develop a customized partnership plan aligned with your goals and timeline.
As part of this process, we bring together the University’s subject matter experts—from faculty researchers to program leaders—to ensure alignment, maximize impact, and deliver meaningful results. Our goal is to create a seamless experience that advances your objectives while strengthening opportunities across the Howard community.
Five Focus Areas
The identity of OCR community engagement team is anchored in five strategic focus areas:
Each area is intentionally designed to advance the University’s mission of Truth and Service. Guided by these pillars, the Office of Corporate Relations strengthens opportunity, equity, and empowerment across Washington, D.C.’s communities through student-led initiatives, partner-driven collaborations, and measurable, mission-centered outcomes.
Four Types of Engagement
OCR also uses four engagement types—Collaborative, Impactful, Visible, and Philanthropic—to define the depth of community involvement and ensure programs reflect Howard’s commitment to service, data-driven strategy, and inclusive growth.
This integrated approach allows Howard to align local impact with institutional goals while fostering a stronger ecosystem across campus and the broader region.
Collaborative
Impactful
Engagements that lead to measurable outcomes such as improved academic performance, increased access to resources, or enhanced community well-being.
Visible
Public-facing events, programs, and activities that elevate Howard’s presence and create accessible engagement opportunities.
Philanthropic
Financial, volunteer, and in-kind support that strengthens community programs and expands access to opportunities.
36K
Volunteer Hours Served
The Office of Corporate Relations makes a major impact with 94 community partners; engaging with 1,050 Howard students; and reaching over 17 neighborhoods in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.