About RCLC

RCLC History

The Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) was started in 2001 as an off-campus educational initiative of the President’s Office at the University of Notre Dame in partnership with Northeast Neighborhood residents of South Bend. While RCLC staff now report to the Office of Public Affairs and Communication at Notre Dame, programs are overseen by a program advisory board comprised of residents, program partners, ND faculty/staff, and students. An estimated 500 participants come through the doors of the Center each week for regular programming. The Center also partners with the juvenile court and community schools in the Michiana area, with program outreach that connects with nearly 8,000 additional youth per year. This level of outreach is only possible due to strong and intentional relationships with community partners and the shared resources of the University and community.

The Center has approximately 7,500 square feet of meeting space and is organized around two broad themes:

A Learning Center

Hundreds of college volunteers participate in the RCLC tutoring program each year, matched one-to-one with area children. In addition, the RCLC maintains a commitment to provide a high-quality technology center. Classes are offered in basic computing, Internet and e-mail usage, Microsoft products, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and more. GED classes and English as a second language are offered by the South Bend School Corporation’s Adult Education Office.

A Gathering Space

The RCLC welcomes residents and partners to safely gather and interact according to any number of interests and/or for planning neighborhood activities. A library, conference rooms, gathering space, and a community calendar are available for residents and those groups hoping to share the word about their efforts.

RCLC Goals

  1. HOSPITALITY: Create a welcoming environment that serves as a hub for gathering and interaction among residents, community partners, and Notre Dame students, faculty, & staff.
  2. EDUCATION: Create access to enrichment activities that develop academic and life skills, providing mentoring & support at all ages.
  3. PARTNERSHIP: Support partners that provide education, health, and development programs that enhance the quality of life.
  4. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: Foster relationships & engagement among the Center’s partners and participants to strengthen community.
  5. SUSTAINABILITY: Acquire resources necessary to achieve program goals.