Neighbors United University
Be a part of the 2026 class of Neighbors United University to support and strengthen community leaders.
United Way of Central Maryland is excited to launch its first class of Neighbors United University participants. Through our work in neighborhoods across Central Maryland, United Way utilizes local connections and the Community-Building Initiative model of St. Joseph’s Community Partnership Fund in California to develop a curriculum to support and strengthen community leaders to make meaningful changes in their neighborhoods.
In the Samoan language, ‘nuu’ means ‘village’ (nu’u n. village), and Neighbors United University (NUU) is built to support and strengthen neighborhood leaders to become vibrant villages — or nuus — of change.
The application for Neighbors United University is now closed for 2026.
Neighbors United University is currently only available in Baltimore City.
Selected participants will be notified by November 3, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hope for Neighbors United University Participants?
After the Neighbors United University cohort, participants – the heartbeat of their neighborhoods – with powerful ideas to create lasting change in their communities will walk away with refined skills, enhanced experiences, and impactful relationships to thrive as local leaders.
What will Neighbors United University participants receive as a part of the cohort?
Participants engaged in the program will receive:
- 30+ hours of training in leadership, community organizing, advocacy, fundraising, etc.
- Membership in a powerful network of like-minded peers
- Connections to subject-matter experts and power brokers in their jurisdiction
- Participant stipends
- Food during each session
Upon completion of Neighbors United University, participants receive:
- Continued access to the tools and resources from the courses
- Slots to participate in United Way Advocacy Days in Annapolis
- Information on and support applying for available United Way Neighborhood Grants
- Opportunities to nominate or become a United Way RUN Board member (United Way’s RUN Boards are volunteer Boards that advise our programs, grants, and more in each jurisdiction. They are an excellent learning tool for leaders new to participation on Boards.)
- Connection to an organizing and/or advocacy organization/cause to put skills to work for the benefit of community
- Neighbors United University certificate
What is expected of Neighbors United University participants?
Over a four-month period, participants will meet every week for 2.5 hours each session. Sessions will alternate between in-person and virtual formats. Participants are expected to bring their experiences and expertise as residents in their neighborhoods and take advantage of the facilitated activities and material to make meaningful change in their own community. Participants, as residents in their neighborhood, are vital to creating the meaningful and sustainable change they would like to see implemented.
Who should apply to be a part of Neighbors United University?
Neighbors United University is designed with all levels of community members in mind. The material to be covered has been created in a way that engages residents who have experience on neighborhood association boards as well as those who have just begun to see the changes they would like to see in their community but may not necessarily see themselves as a leader. The program has been designed to remove as many barriers to participation as possible, including the provision of food, childcare, and transportation support.
This initiative is for leaders living and/or working in Baltimore City.
What is the application timeline for Neighbors United University?
The application is available through September 12. Potential participants will be invited to interview with the program team and alumni in October. The final class will be notified by November 3, 2025.
