Community Outreach is one of the four pillars that comprise the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. Institute for Civic Engagement at Niagara University. Within this pillar, we encourage students and faculty to reach beyond the classroom and assist the local community and its residents. Involvement is encouraged through areas of civic engagement, literacy, college and career readiness, and workforce development.

As 72 percent of adults in Niagara Falls read at a fourth grade functional level, literacy becomes a large focus of our work. Targeting literacy through outreach projects will better prepare city residents for college and/or careers, and well as further develop the workforce. A productive city is dependent on a literate society. If we support reading and the development of reading for individuals from birth to adulthood, we can make an impact.