The Community-Engaged Learning program is offered through the Engaged Learning Office. Community-engaged learning enhances course learning outcomes and student engagement while also addressing community-identified needs. Community-engaged learning incorporates critical reflective thinking and civic engagement into academic coursework by means of integrating service opportunities with nonprofits, governmental, and/or educational community partners. Community-engaged learning involves students in activities that attend to local needs while developing their academic skills, increasing their subject matter knowledge, and commitment to their communities. Community-engaged learning commonly intersects with other High Impact Practices.
Examples of community-engaged learning include:
- Business faculty and students work with an under-resourced non-profit community partner to create web pages and marketing brochures.
- Students practice critical reflection through such activities as journal writing, group discussion, or presentations that link the service they did in the community to course content.
- Dental Hygiene or Occupational Therapy Assisting students provide low-cost services and educational resources to uninsured populations.
The Thayne Center for Student Life, Leadership & Community Engagement also can help your community engagement efforts!