The University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV), a Catholic liberal arts university in the Bronx, has announced a new partnership that aims to connect education more closely with real-life issues facing Bronx communities. UMSV is teaming up with Dedication to Community, a national nonprofit, to create the D2C Justice Institute on its Riverdale campus. The new institute will focus on restorative justice, leadership, public safety, and building trust between communities and institutions.
This new program is about helping students and community members learn better ways to handle conflict, improve public safety, support mental health, and strengthen relationships between people and systems like schools, law enforcement, and local organizations.
The Justice Institute will bring real-world experience into the classroom while also opening the campus to the broader community. It will offer:
- Training and workshops on restorative justice and conflict resolution
- Programs focused on mental health, crisis response, and leadership
- Conversations around policing, public trust, and community safety
- Opportunities for students to prepare for careers in law, public service, education, healthcare, and community advocacy
The goal is to make education feel practical, relevant, and connected to everyday life in New York City, especially for students who want to give back to their communities. UMSV will serve as the Northeast headquarters for the Justice Institute, with plans to expand the program nationally over time.