About

The OCCE seeks to nurture existing partnerships, incubate new community-based initiatives, and foster connections between Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem. We have a specific focus in three areas: education equity, health and nutrition, and economic empowerment.

Education

Equity

Building capacity in schools, neighborhoods, and organizations to support lifelong learning and equitable educational outcomes for all students in Forsyth County.

Health & Nutrition

Impacting health outcomes in Forsyth County through access to healthy meals and fresh produce, cooking skills, and sustainable food sources.

Economic Empowerment

Assisting neighborhoods, organizations, and nonprofits to provide affordable housing, workforce development, and community organizing.

Community engagement describes the collaboration between institutions of higher education and the larger community for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. At Wake Forest, faculty, staff, and students connect with community partners to effect change locally, nationally, and internationally.

While OCCE is the central hub of community-based work at Wake Forest, departments and schools across the institution offer vibrant opportunities for community engagement, such as clinics, incubators, programs, classes, and other activities.