About Universidad Popular
Universidad Popular, founded in 1972 as Latin Center, is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting community empowerment through participatory learning. UP’s brand of community work is rooted in the educational philosophy of Paulo Freire, the world renown Latin American educator. For this reason, Universidad Popular works with, by and for the people to develop programs that meet the needs of the communities it serves.
Our Sites
Little Village
An organization that started in Lake View in 1972 and moved to Humboldt Park in the late 80s has, as a consequence of gentrification in the city of Chicago, migrated within its own city and settled down in Little Village. Universidad Popular (UP) acquired a building which was previously a white-owned bar and banquet hall and transformed it into a community center in the early 2000s. This transformation could not have been done without the help of local residents who were talented muralist, carpenters, painters, electricians, construction workers, etc.
This building on the southeast corner of 28th and Hamlin was acquired by Universidad Popular is 2002 and redeveloped throughout the years to officially open in 2006. Once Universidad Popular opened its door in Little Village it became a hub for community-based work and a safe-space for local residents.
The space is equipped with a computer lab that was created by community residents and participants. Digital literacy participants assembled 20 computers that are still in use for computer classes, youth programs, and ESL education courses.
A grand hall inside Universidad Popular is host to many events throughout the year such as participant gatherings, holiday celebrations, cultural events, and health fairs. It is also used daily for our Danzón, Zumba, and Yoga classes.
Six classrooms in the bottom floor are home to UP’s adult education courses, family literacy workshops, youth programming, and other successful community-based programs.
West Lawn
Universidad Popular’s (UP) new site in the West Lawn vicinity finally became a reality through the acquisition of a corner property on 60th St. and Lawndale Avenue in June 2014. After a rather long search, UP’s participants visited the new site and were able to see the state of the property: total neglect for many years! As a result, they immediately volunteered to give it some repair hoping to convert it into a community center. Participants are optimistic to have the site ready soon to start classes. Of course, the space will be made for the programs that are conducted everyday—but beyond this, the wonderfully big yard can be used: outdoor activities, a garden and folkloric dances are a few of the dreams expressed by participants.
However, a nice, new building doesn’t make a community center; it’s what people do within and around the center that matters. Thus, a group of participating neighbors went to see the alderman to share their visions for the new site of Universidad Popular. They also reached out to the new neighbors and used heartfelt conversations about all that can be accomplished together. They spoke of the necessities of the community and how this new center can work as a place to bridge the gaps between the barriers dividing us. The neighbors are doing a great job, and the site continues to see huge, positive changes. While there is still much work to be done, the final product will nonetheless be magnificent. It will be a true product of the people—much like our Little Village Center.
For now, our programming will continue at the local libraries Chicago Lawn, West Lawn and St. Nicholas of Tolentine School 3742 W. 62nd Street.
Our Missions
Education
Through the many programs available, Universidad Popular's goal is to expand the knowledge of all community members.
Community
Within the resources provided, our community center aims to maintain a strong community.
Growth
Universidad Popular seeks to help all that come to our center grow. This growth is not only brought through education but also through spiritual and physical mindfulness.