Civically Engaged Scholars (CES)
What is CES?
The Civically Engaged Scholars (CES) program encourages students to connect with people in their community, get involved, and think critically about important issues. CES participants learn about the importance of community involvement in the classroom and have the opportunity to apply that knowledge through hands-on experiences with our local community partners.
CES is a degree distinction-seeking program, meaning that upon graduation, you will receive a Special Distinction on your transcript, as well as a blue Honors cord and front-row placement during commencement.
Purpose and Vision
The purpose of CES is to help students grow and think critically while getting involved in their communities. By building strong relationships between local groups and SLCC students, we hope to help foster a community that believes in equity and justice and uplifts us all.
Our vision is to prepare and encourage students to be active in their communities, engaging in local systems and working with local organizations. It’s our hope that providing the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference will uplift both our students and our communities.
WHY BECOME A CIVICALLY ENGAGED SCHOLAR
Benefits
- Build your network for academic and career advancement
- Special Distinction on transcript
- Designation at Graduation with blue honors cord
- Front row placement during commencement
- Graduation letter from the President
- e-Portfolio with civic engagement material
Program Requirements
- Complete a non-credit Canvas course (added manually) OR attend 2 of the 3 conferences listed below
- Generation Volunteer Summit
- Civic Leadership Conference
- Other (must receive approval from the Engaged Learning Office)
- Complete one of the CEL Course/Service Hours options (listed under Becoming a Civically Engaged Scholar)
- Meet with Engaged Learning Specialist (peer leader) TWICE a semester.
- Complete e-Portfolio
- Graduate with a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Attend and/or present at the Engaged Learning Celebration upon graduation
- Optional: Attend the Civic Leadership Conference
BECOMING A CIVICALLY ENGAGED SCHOLAR
Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) Course
All independent tracked Civically Engaged Scholars must take at least one Community Engaged Learning (CEL) course equating to 3, 6, or 9 credit hours. (Each 3-credit CEL course = 100 service hours—view the list of available courses here).
Students can choose from three options to fulfill CES requirements:
- Option 1: Take 1 CEL Course + 200 Community Engagement (Service) Hours
- Option 2: Take 2 CEL Courses + 100 Community Engagement (Service) Hours
- Option 3: Take 3 CEL Courses
Note: Students that take 3 CEL Courses are not required to do any additional service hours.
Community Engagement Hours
Community Engagement Hours are the service hours completed and approved by your peer leader, outside of your CEL courses.
Individual tracking can be done through the provided Canvas course or CampusGroups.
Note: Dental Hygiene and Occupational Therapy Assisting students have these requirements/service hours met through their curriculum and program.
Hours That Count:
- Community-Engagement with Thayne Center Partners or other community partners
- Club participation with service
- Semester meeting with Office Specialist
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Engaged Learning Celebration
The Engaged Learning Celebration will highlight student tuition waiver recipients and Civically Engaged Scholars. Join us as we hear about the accomplishments of Community Engaged Learning students plus additional, inspiring keynote speakers. Enjoy food, coffee, fun, and an exciting program that explores stories of service, reflection, and the power of education. We hope to see you there! Check back with us for updates.
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Come back for more events and opportunities!
PATHWAY DEFINITIONS
- Community Engaged Learning and Research: Connecting coursework and academic research to community-identified concerns to enrich knowledge and inform action on social issues.
- Community Organizing and Activism: Involving, educating, and mobilizing individual or collective action to influence or persuade others.
- Direct Service: Working to address the immediate needs of individuals or a community, often involving contact with the people or places being served.
- Philanthropy: Donating or using private funds or charitable contributions from individuals or institutions to contribute to the public good.
- Policy and Governance: Participating in political processes, policymaking, and public governance.
- Social Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility: Using ethical business or private sector approaches to create or expand market-oriented responses to social or environmental problems.