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 Fairfield University that calls for the dynamic integration of academic excellence, social responsibility, and faith that promotes justice.
Student Opportunities
For a complete list of current community engagement opportunities open to students, visit the Center for Social Impact’s portal on Life@Fairfield.
Community-Engaged Learning Associates
Community-Engaged Learning Associates (CELAs) are paid peer leaders who support faculty members teaching community-engaged learning courses. CELAs coordinate logistics, provide classroom support, facilitate reflective activities, and liaise with community partners. CELAs participate in ongoing training and professional development with Center for Social Impact staff on community-engaged learning pedagogy and community engagement best practices. CELAs should have taken at least one community-engaged learning course in order to apply. Interested students can contact Andrea Canuel for more information on how to apply.
Community-Engaged Learning Courses
There have been over 100 different Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) courses developed and offered at Fairfield University since 2007.
About 40 course sections are offered annually, representing an average of 20 different departments across every School and the College.
