Community-engaged Learning

Community-engaged Learning (CEL) is a collaborative effort between students, faculty and community stakeholders to address a community-identified need. Through CEL experiences designed in partnership with community-based groups and organizations, students have the opportunity to develop a richer understanding of how classroom theory functions in real-world settings, hone skills that will be useful to future career pursuits, and make an impact in the communities where they live and learn.

Fall 2023 Course Highlights

Volunteer & Internship Experiences

While we encourage students to engage with the local community through CEL, we fully recognize and support the benefits of shorter-term efforts. Donating your time by volunteering with a local community organization can be a great way to meaningfully contribute to a cause that’s important to you, on a schedule that works for you. Many of our partner organizations rely heavily on volunteers for food distribution, mentoring youth or helping individuals gain access to needed public services.

The Office of Community Engagement can help you find a suitable volunteer opportunity, or you can find an organization on your own through online resources or connections with student groups on campus. Please be aware that many organizations have been affected by COVID-19, so their operational status or ability to host volunteers may have shifted.

Current Volunteer & Internship Opportunities

Beyond the Classroom Fest

Save the date for CLA's 2023 Beyond the Classroom Fest! Students will explore ways to extend their classroom experience through opportunities within the College of Liberal Arts, including internships, research, community engagement, and study abroad. Students will have a chance to connect with employers. while learning about CLA funded programs and offerings from academic departments. 

Additional Ways to Find Volunteer Opportunities

Community-engaged Research

The Office of Community Engagement can support you in connecting with organizations working within your research interests and support implementation of best practices within community-based research. Please stay tuned for more information on available funding opportunities.

Community Engagement Contact