Promoting social change and inspiring the next generation of leaders with research.

The UCI Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation believes in bringing together the expertise and exceptional research abilities found at this world-class university with the passion and energy of the students who form the leaders of tomorrow. We collaborate across disciplines with students, faculty and practitioners to rigorously explore systemic, geopolitical, technological and climate forces affecting poverty.

We’re passionate about our areas of expertise — the science and practice of compassion, the co-production of advanced computational modeling to mitigate flood risk, and the impacts of human trafficking and modern slavery — as well as our global partnerships addressing environmental peacebuilding and planetary health.

Our Work

Compassion Initiative

We inspire the next generation of leaders and engage community stakeholders to use the power of compassion and empathy.

Flood Hazards

We utilize big-data to identify solutions to mitigate flood risk and foster peace and stability in flood-affected communities.

Human Trafficking

Through research about the economic impacts of human trafficking and slavery, we mobilize stakeholders and leaders.

For Students

Opportunities

We offer a range of experiential, curricular and mentorship opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.

Global Service Scholars

The Global Service Scholars program offers immersive service opportunities with partner organizations.

Small Change, Better World

Small Change, Better World offers mini-grants to for student-led projects addressing tangible needs.

Latest News & Research

Dr. Kelsey Morgan Honored at Lauds & Laurels

Dr. Kelsey Morgan Honored at Lauds & Laurels

Dr. Kelsey Morgan, UCI Blum Center's anti-human trafficking and survivor support expert (and CEO of EverFree), was honored last week as a Distinguished Alumni from the School of Social Ecology! The award recognizes Dr. Morgan's longstanding and passionate commitment...

In the News: CNN Highlights Freedom Lifemap

In the News: CNN Highlights Freedom Lifemap

The Freedom Lifemap, co-created by Dr. Kelsey Morgan (Everfree; Blum Center) and Dr. Angela Robinson (Blum Center), was featured as a segment on CNN's Freedom Project. In the video, Dr. Morgan talks about the need that the Freedom Lifemap fills for survivors of...

The Power of Music and Youth as Changemakers

The Power of Music and Youth as Changemakers

Recently, the Blum Center was visited by two of our partners on the new Power of Music initiative, award winning filmmakers Michael Uwemedimo of Collaborative Media Advocacy Platform in Nigeria and Petna Ndaliko Katondolo of Yole!Africa in the Democratic Republic of...

Support that is Music to our Ears: $1.5million from The Drake Gives

Support that is Music to our Ears: $1.5million from The Drake Gives

We are thrilled and grateful to officially announce a new addition to our growing network of dedicated supporters! The Drake Gives, founded by Alec Glasser, donated $1.5 Million which will be used to support a new collaborative imitative: The Power of Music. Blum...

Featured Initiative