Zapopan, Jalisco; December 17.— In an effort to extend beyond the classroom and make a positive impact on its community, the Guadalajara campus of theUniversidad Panamericana , strengthened its strategic partnership with Ciudad Granja from August through December 2025.
Under the slogan “Bringing Communities Together, Strengthening Learning, ” the Comunidad UP project revived a collaborative network that not only benefits local residents but also enriches students’ well-rounded education.
A Symphony of Art and Culture
The Department of Art and Culture, led by Dr. Ignacio Acosta, coordinated various cultural events that brought the university's talent to the heart of Ciudad Granja.
Among the most notable initiatives are:
- Art exhibition at the COMUDE Roundabout, featuring a piece on loan from the Muñecas Lele collection.
- Musical performances at the Miguel Hidalgo Roundabout, as part of the traditional Catrinas Parade.
- Activities open to the public on campus, such as the 50th Anniversary Concert and the play *The Legend of the Thousand Cranes*, which fostered cultural engagement among neighboring families.
Social Commitment: Education for Life
The core of the Comunidad UP project took place at the San Martín Obispo Parish, where two social programs were implemented:
- UP Community (morning session): Designed for older adults, this program offered 15 sessions in which 12 residents developed skills in digital technology (including an introduction to artificial intelligence), physical self-care, entrepreneurship, and crafts such as macramé.
- Club UP (afternoon program): focused on children, where 33 boys and girls participated in 45 workshops that included homework help, science experiments, and the celebration of Mexican traditions through the creation of a community Day of the Dead altar.
Two-Way Impact and Purpose-Driven Learning
The project had a mutual impact: while the settlers gained the tools to improve their well-being, 25 students from the Universidad Panamericana, carried out their community service as facilitators, developing leadership, empathy, and service skills.
Students like Isabel González emphasized that the project taught them “the value of presence and kindness”, changing their perspective on old age and fostering empathy. For its part, the university’s Department of Athletics supported these activities by donating basketballs and volleyballs, thereby also promoting physical health in the Ciudad Granja community.
Renato Cuevas López, for his part, got to know the neighborhood in a different way: “The Club UP experience is without a doubt the best experience I’ve had in terms of community service at the university. I’m leaving very happy with the camaraderie and the bond we formed with the women we taught; personally, I developed a sense of friendship and kinship with the Ciudad Granja community.”
Education That Transforms Communities
Through the Comunidad UP project, the University of the Pacific ( Universidad Panamericana ) demonstrates that a humanistic approach to higher education extends beyond the classroom and becomes a driving force for social change.
This partnership with Ciudad Granja strengthens students' well-rounded education, fosters intergenerational solidarity, and helps build a more united, resilient community that is better prepared for the challenges of the future.
