The Mercyhurst Civic Institute, a division of the Social Sciences department of Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA, is a college-community partnership dedicated to the social, educational, and civic well-being of the Erie region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Institute seeks to evaluate, understand, and improve public policies and processes, which affect the region’s citizens. It serves as a central repository for published information regarding the social and civic challenges, as well as opportunities facing Erie and the Commonwealth. In addition, the Institute seeks to provide Mercyhurst College faculty and students with the applied social policy, research and evaluation experience related to child, family, education, health, and justice issues.