About Us

Community Engagement

Student with decorated graduation cap that says create positive change

The Carnegie Foundation defines community engagement as “collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.”


The College of Education views community engagement as an important component in all three areas of faculty work—teaching, research & scholarship, and service. Our faculty have developed numerous innovative service-learning courses that not only provide our students with hands-on learning opportunities, but that also create a real-world impact. While participating in these opportunities, our students provide valuable service to our local and global partners, and become better equipped to succeed.