Community-based Learning Resources for Faculty and Staff

Community-based Learning (CBL) is an intentional strategy that connects what students are learning in academic courses with community and civic engagement initiatives.

CBL is:

  • Based on reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships between instructors, students, and community
  • Rooted on the belief that community members have intrinsic educational assets and resources to share
  • Critical reflection

The goal of CBL is to address community-identified needs and together create positive social change. To help build a community-based learning campus, OCCE offers the following:

Engaged Scholarship Faculty Learning Community

The purpose of this learning community is to discuss the community engagement components that should be implemented into an existing or new course/program; as well as CE best practices and models.

This learning community is meant for everyone, from those who are already experienced in community engagement to those who are curious in learning more about this high-impact educational practice. Faculty participants will discuss readings, keep a reflection journal, meet with outside speakers, share ideas, and think collaboratively about implementing community engagement into the students’ experience at Harvey Mudd. Light refreshments or a full meal are provided at each meeting (depending on set meeting time).

This is an academic yearlong learning community that starts in early Fall and ends in early Spring. Meetings are usually every 2–3 weeks. This learning community will be offered again in academic year 2025-26.

Community Engagement Faculty Fellowship Fund

The Community Engagement Faculty Fellowship Fund is possible thanks to a generous donation to Harvey Mudd College to support faculty in the development of community engagement courses, projects, or co-curricular experiences. Each year, up to two faculty members may receive a stipend for curriculum or program development related to community engagement.  The selected faculty fellows will be expected to deliver the first offering of their proposed CE course or program by the following academic year.

For those interested in applying or interested in learning more, please complete the Community Engagement Faculty Fellowship Fund interest form.