Welcome to UROC

Located in North Minneapolis, the Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) strives to be an inspirational place that transforms research and partnership between the University, North Minneapolis, and the urban core to co-create a more equitable and just future. Since opening its doors in 2009, UROC has worked to build thriving, innovative, and respectful collaborations; create new models of urban-focused community engagement; and strengthen the University as a vital engaged 21st century university serving the public good.

North Minneapolis Gardens for Change crew

Roni Evans, Douglas Kennedy, Ronda Chakolis, and Sam Simmons

Zoom screenshot from banking and lending

Voices of the Future: Linking Historical Trauma, Ambiguous Loss, and Financial Decision Making Among African American Families research team

News Highlights

YoUthROC: Advancing Youth Participatory Action Research Through Youth Leadership and Community Knowledge

YoUthROC is a community and University-connected youth research program dedicated to advancing Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) and promoting principles of youth leadership, kinship, and justice in education. YoUthROC is an affiliate program to the University of Minnesota’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Interrupting Type 2 Diabetes Project: How Community Collaboration is Changing Diabetes Research

The Interrupting Type 2 Diabetes project led by Dr. Mary Whipple at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing is taking a fresh, community-centered approach to helping Black Minnesotans with Type 2 diabetes live healthier lives. This project aims to reduce sedentary time and improve long-term health outcomes through strategies designed with the community, not just for it.

Josie R. Johnson UROC Engaged Dissertation Fellows Program: 2025-2026 Call for Applications

Deadline 5 p.m. CST, Saturday, November 22

In the Gallery

新年, Xyoo Tshiab, ปีใหม่ (Pii Mai), Tết: Through Her Lens — Asian American Women Photographers Celebrate New Year Traditions

Date: December 8th, 2025 - January 29th, 2026
Location: UROC Gallery

In collaboration with UROC, Asian Media Access is hosting a cross-cultural exhibition at the North Minneapolis UROC Gallery featuring three local Asian American women photographers—Mai-Youa Her, Pannaporn “Yok” Muangmode (พรรณพร ม่วงโมด), and Vivian Tran. The exhibition highlights their unique interpretations of holiday traditions, from Chinese, Hmong, Thai, to Vietnamese New Year celebrations, each expressed through a distinctly feminine lens. Together, they share the beauty of their cultural holidays while joining Northside neighbors in celebrating the spirit of Christmas and the New Year at UROC.

The Opening Reception will be hosted at Dec. 20 (Sat) 11am - Noon, please join us for this one-of-a-kind exhibition—perfect for bringing some extra holiday cheer to your families at the UROC Gallery.

Expanding the University's Commitment to Urban Communities

The Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center is a unit of the Office for Public Engagement within the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.