Community-engaged learning (CEL) (a.k.a. service-learning) courses provide educationally meaningful learning experiences by having students engage in predetermined service outside the university as an academic requirement that both helps students make meaning of course content and meets a genuine community need (as defined by the organization where service is provided). Community-engaged classes further the shared goal of Enriching Educational Experiences of the IU GenEd Curriculum.
CITL can help you integrate a cause you care about into the classroom, with teaching and learning strategies that don't just add community service on top of an existing course but incorporate community as part of the course content, as a text to learn from.
We facilitate partnerships between community organizations and faculty for mutual benefit, leveraging the university to benefit society and extending the classroom beyond its traditional limits.
If you have any questions, please reach out to CEL Director Michael Valliant.