The YWCA of the University of Illinois is an interracial, not-for-profit organization established in 1884 to meet the unique needs of the women in the University. It is now the oldest, continuously operating student affiliated YWCA in the United States. The YWCA seeks to provide opportunities for students to gain leadership skills through volunteerism and activism around racial justice and women's issues. We also strive to bring together the campus and Champaign-Urbana communites to address issues of mutual concern. <<more

 Celebrating 125 Years at U of I: 1884 - 2009

The YWCA of the University of Illinois is celebrating 125 years of service this year. We are the oldest, continually operating student YWCA in the country. Over the course of our history, we have been instrumental in answering the needs of many generations of female students and minorities on campus. We were the first organization to offer interracial housing as well as the first to offer dormitory style housing for female students at the university. For the past 125 years, we have always upheld our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. If you would like more infomation on how the YWCA has been a source of influence at the University of Illinois, please join our weekly list serve by contacting Gia Lewis at gialewis@ywcauofi.org.

Membership Drive In honor of our 125th anniversary, we would like to set a goal of gaining 125 new members. If you are interested in becoming a member click here for more information. Membership Form

Get Involved - Join our student leadership panel. The group meets bi-monthly.  >> more  - Are you and RSO? Become a student program of the YWCA. >> more