ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ

Community-engaged learning is an experiential approach to teaching and learning that links academic study and community-engaged work so that each is strengthened—and both are transformed.

In Community-Engaged Learning courses, students work alongside community partners on projects and activities that enhance their learning and contribute to positive social impact.

Characteristics of Community-Engaged Learning Courses:

  • Rigorous academic learning
  • Meaningful and appropriate community-engaged project work that meets community-identified needs
  • Guided critical reflection
  • Reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations

In addition to being mindful of "best practices" that have been developed nationally in the academic service-learning movement, our work flows from the Jesuit Catholic educational mission of ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ University that calls for the dynamic integration of academic excellence, social responsibility, and faith that promotes justice.

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ students helping younger students at Wakeman Boys and Girls club.

Student Opportunities

Students will gain experiences that combine meaningful community-engaged work, critical reflection, and civic education to enhance academic learning.

Student volunteers posing for a photo outdoors.

Courses and Immersion Opportunities

Each semester, 20 - 25 Community-Engaged Learning courses are offered across ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ University’s five schools that connect classroom learning theory with community partner projects and activities to create a positive social impact.

 A classroom scene featuring a teacher and a group of attentive students collaborating on educational tasks.

Community Partners

The Center for Social Impact connects community partners with faculty and students to build learning opportunities for our students that also meet community-identified needs.

Our Team

Ashley Byun
Associate Professor, Biology
Andrea Canuel
Andrea Canuel
Associate Director for Community-Engaged Learning, Center for Social Impact

Advisory Committee

The Community-Engaged Learning Advisory Committee was established in Spring 2006. The purpose of the committee is to help develop and guide the vision of Service Learning at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ University. Advisory committee members are also committed to supporting and consulting with colleagues who want to integrate Service Learning practice into their respective courses and programming.

Center for Social Impact

Melissa Quan, director of the Center for Social Impact
Andrea Canuel, associate director for Community-Engaged Learning
Ashley Byun, faculty chair of Community-Engaged Learning; Assistant Professor, Biology