Getting Started with Community-Engaged Learning

When integrated into an academic course, community service provides a pedagogical tool that allows students to develop a deeper understanding of course material. The service can take many forms such as volunteer work, research for local organizations, teaching opportunities, policy-related work, community organizing activities, as well as other forms of service activities. Students may work directly with local community members through direct engagement activities or work on campus in the service of the members of the university community. 

Faculty who want to explore developing a community-engaged learning course should feel free to contact the Director for Community-Engaged Learning, Amy Grillo, or the Director of the Allbritton Center to discuss their ideas. Information about community-engaged learning courses, including syllabi, from almost all disciplines is available at the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships (JCCP) in Allbritton, 3rd floor. The Director for Community-Engaged Learning and other Allbritton Center staff members can assist faculty members in identifying potential community partners.

Community-Engaged Learning Initiative Grants (CELIGs) provide faculty with funds to support the development of a new community-engaged learning course (transportation costs, materials, training, and stipend).

Transportation for students in community-engaged learning courses to their community placements may be arranged through the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships.