Community Engaged Learning (CEL) combines academic coursework with the application of institutional resources to address challenges facing communities through…

  • engagement that addresses societal needs identified by a community partner or group
  • intentional integration of learning objectives co-created with community partner(s)
  • student preparation and ongoing critical reflection
  • clearly articulated benefits for students, community, and campus partners
  • opportunities to critically examine social issues and situate self within a community setting

*Adapted from: Michigan State University – Center for Community Engaged Learning Service-Learning Toolkit and Stanford Teaching Commons Community Engaged Learning for Faculty

 

Visual display of differences between Community Service/Volunteering and Community Engaged Learning

Figure 1: Differences between community service/volunteering & community engaged learning 

Figure 2: Course-specific differences between community service/volunteering & community engaged learning

*Adapted from: Michigan State University – Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Service-Learning Toolkit