Who We Are

“UPCaM is a Christ-centered ministry welcoming all students into an open and caring community to connect, explore their faith, and make an impact on our world.”

United Protestant Campus Ministries (UPCaM) is a progressive Christian ministry open to all students attending college in Cleveland. We are a missional outreach of seven denominations: United Methodist, Presbyterian, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Episcopal, United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, and American Baptist.

We serve students from these traditions—as well as students from many other faith backgrounds and those with no faith background.

UPCaM is in residence at Case Western Reserve University as part of the Inter-Religious Council. We have an office on campus and also utilize space at our partner congregation, The Church of the Covenant (Presbyterian Church, USA).

Our long-term vision is to build community and relationships with students at Tri-C campuses and Cleveland State University. For now, students from all campuses are warmly invited and encouraged to participate in our programs and events.

We offer a variety of programs that help students connect with Spirit and community. Pastoral care and one-on-one meetings with our Campus Minister, Amanda Powell and members of our Pastoral Board, are always available. Throughout the semester, students are invited to take part in retreats, nature hikes, and opportunities to serve the community through mission work and outreach.

UPCaM is proudly LGBTQ+ affirming and celebrating. We collaborate with campus partners such as Case’s International Student Office, The LGBTQ+ Center, and others to create spaces of belonging and support.

We are also deeply committed to supporting international students. Through homestays, shared meals, and help with food and basic needs, we strive to be a welcoming presence and resource for students who are far from home.

Each semester, UPCaM’s mission work, service projects, outings, and activities are shaped by the leadership and vision of our student community. We respond to student needs, interests, and the realities of local and global events—striving to be a space where students can process, worship, express, question, and grow.

Weekly Worship + Meal (Dinner Church)
Sundays at 6:30 pm
Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH

All are welcome!

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Since 1951, UPCaM has been a steady presence in campus ministry for college students across Greater Cleveland. From our beginnings within the Salvation Army to our evolution into United Christian Ministries, we have remained a progressive, student-centered ministry dedicated to serving young adults.

Throughout our history, UPCaM has uplifted the values of social justice, peace, and spiritual openness for all people—values clearly exemplified in the life and ministry of Jesus. While our programs and delivery models have changed over the decades, these tenets have remained the same.

Today, UPCaM is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, sustained by the support of our seven partner denominations, local congregations, Board members, and individuals. Our ministry seeks to complement and enrich students’ academic experience, bearing witness to Christ’s wider church as students learn, grow, and develop leadership while on campus.

This year marks UPCaM’s 75th year of ministry! We are deeply grateful for the trailblazers and advocates who have championed this ecumenical campus ministry across generations.

Group of people gathered around tables with plates of food in a community room, some talking and eating, with a colorful tablecloth and a food service area in the background.
Multiple people are standing behind a table at an outdoor event, with a sign displaying information about UPCaM, a Protestant campus ministry, on the table, in front of a modern building on CWRU Campus with glass walls and a crowd of attendees.
Group of diverse young adults gathered indoors, smiling for a photo, in a well-lit room with a framed artwork on the wall.
Three smiling young men standing side by side in a parking lot in front of a large stone building with Gothic-style architecture, wearing casual clothes and jackets.