Princeton University is an economic engine for central New Jersey as one of the largest private employers, a major purchaser of goods and services, and the largest taxpayer in the Municipality of Princeton. The University plays a significant role in the educational, cultural, and economic life of the region and provides direct and indirect support to local non-profit and governmental organizations.
The University values its longstanding, mutually beneficial relationships with nearby communities and the opportunities that emerge to connect campus and community. Together the University and its neighbors continue a vibrant tradition of cooperation through on- and off-campus learning opportunities, joint transportation and infrastructure projects, community service, and initiatives in entrepreneurship, the arts and other areas.
Community Connections
Community Connections(pdf) is published four times each year in the Town Topics newspaper and provides neighbors with information about the many ways the University and the local community connect. The publication features articles on university programs and events that are open to the community, contributions to the local community and more.
Princeton in Princeton
The Princeton community and Princeton University share more than just a name. The town and the campus intersect in many ways, each contributing to the other. Princeton in Princeton(pdf) highlights the numerous ways Princeton University seeks to support its’ host community.
Princeton University launched Tigers in Town during the COVID-19 pandemic to support struggling local businesses while providing a safe way for students to socialize. The program will continue and expand through the fall 2021 semester. Pictured, students partake of businesses along Witherspoon Street. Photo by Denise Applewhite, Office of Communications
Report to the Community
Each year President Eisgruber attends a public meeting of the Mayor and Council of Princeton to discuss ways that the University and the community may continue to collaborate on areas of mutual interest. In advance of that meeting , a summary of contributions to and partnerships with the town is compiled.
Princeton University Concerts held its “Breathe in Music” series outdoors in 2021, inviting the community to experience live performances by the next generation of classical music stars while following a meditation led by Matthew Weiner, associate dean in the Office of Religious Life. The series is among the many ways in which Princeton University contributes to the Municipality of Princeton and surrounding communities. Photo by Nick Donnoli Productions LLC
Economic Impact Report
In 2016 Princeton University engaged the services of Appleseed, an independent New York based consulting firm with extensive experience in economic and community impact analysis, to prepare a report on the economic impact of Princeton University on its neighboring communities (pdf), Mercer County and the state of New Jersey.
Recent Contributions
With the help of a dedicated group of departmental volunteers from across campus and at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), the campus community raised $98,432.38 during the 2024 United Way Campaign. Proceeds support the United Way of Greater Mercer County’s education, financial stability, food insecurity, and health programs.
Princeton University faculty and staff filled more than 10 clothing racks with suits, pants, tops, dresses and more at the annual business attire clothing drive.
The drive supports workforce programs offered by community partners. This year's drive benefitted Dress for Success of Mercer County, HomeFront’s Suitably Dressed, Mercer…
The Office of Community and Regional Affairs published its first edition of Community Connections in Town Topics this February.
The quarterly newsletter provides neighbors with information about the many ways the University and the local community connect. The publication features articles on university programs and events…
PRINCETON, NJ — Last week, officials from Princeton University donated 53 laptops and other tech gear to the New Jersey Department of Corrections.
The laptops and tech gear will be used in two state prisons as part of the New Jersey Scholarship and Transformative Education in Prisons (NJ-STEP) consortium.
Around 300 incarcerated…
The Office of Community and Regional Affairs along with several campus and community partners coordinated the annual Holiday Outreach initiative. The initiative is made up of three programs that serve local community members and U.S. military and first responders:
Food and Toiletries DriveWith almost thirty locations on campus and in town…
For the eighth year, Princeton University employees donated backpacks to the Princeton Human Services School Supplies Drive through a program coordinated by the Office of Community and Regional Affairs in partnership with W.B. Mason.
Staff from the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company who are working
on campus construction projects…
With the help of a dedicated group of departmental volunteers from across campus and at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), the campus community raised $98,432.38 during the 2023 United Way Campaign. Proceeds support the United Way of Greater Mercer County’s education, financial stability, food insecurity and health programs.
…
Princeton University faculty and staff helped community members entering or re-entering the workforce through the annual business attire clothing drive.
Each spring semester the Office of Community and Regional Affairs offers faculty and staff the opportunity to donate gently used business attire at several collection sites on campus…
President Christopher L. Eisgruber and Princeton municipal officials reaffirmed shared interests — from college access and socioeconomic diversity to sustainability and mass transit — during their annual meeting on Monday, Feb. 26.
“The town is such an important partner to us,” Eisgruber said during the meeting with Princeton Mayor…
The University announced Jan. 30 its plan to contribute more than $50 million over five years to the Municipality of Princeton, community organizations and lower- and middle-income residents to support mutual community interests including college access, sustainability and resiliency, socioeconomic diversity and equity, safety and emergency…
Princeton has released its third annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion report, which shares the important work of students, faculty, staff and alumni to build community and support success and belonging at the University. The report…