The University of Pittsburgh has announced a $5 million gift from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation in support of its Institute of Politics.

The endowment gift will help fund the institute's efforts to promote citizen engagement, develop innovative approaches to important public policy issues, and encourage higher levels of social responsibility among students and community partners. Planned initiatives include a Civic Engagement Scholars Program, which will support students conducting independent public policy research in human services, public health, education, and community development. In addition to having access to the university's rich archival collections, participants in the program will have the opportunity to meet regional decision makers and learn from  high-profile civic leaders.

Created in 1987, the institute aims to catalyze the development of innovative approaches to public policy challenges through consensus-based dialogue, balanced research, and collaborative planning.

"We are deeply grateful for this exceptionally generous and very well-targeted gift, which will help secure the future of the institute," said the institute's director, Terry Miller. "For decades, Elsie and Henry Hillman have stood as inspiring examples of completely committed civic leaders who have been passionately committed to the progress of western Pennsylvania. Speaking in more human terms, then, we also are honored to have the mission of Pitt's Institute of Politics so visibly embraced by the Hillmans."