Engineering students build bridges to campus and community
The Center for Community Engagement and Social Research (CCESR) established the Community Engaged Scholar Program to strengthen partnerships between Central Connecticut State University and local community organizations while advancing community-engaged scholarship and experiential learning.
The Community Engaged Scholar Program is open to full-time Central faculty of any rank and across all academic fields of study. Selected faculty will receive a stipend of $2,000 to support the time invested in developing a working relationship with a community partner. That relationship then provides the opportunity for faculty to design or enhance a course with a prominent service-learning component, or to conduct research that aligns with the needs of the community partner. Undergraduate involvement will be the centerpiece of the cohort’s mission,
bringing invaluable hands-on learning experiences to our students.
A central goal of the program is to expand hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students. By engaging directly with community organizations and projects, students gain valuable real-world experience while contributing to initiatives that benefit the broader community.
The faculty cohort will engage in workshops, professional development activities, and collaborative discussions designed to support community-engaged teaching, research, and partnership development. Through this work, the Community Engaged Scholar Program helps foster sustainable partnerships that enhance student learning, support faculty scholarship, and strengthen Central’s commitment to community engagement.
If you would like more information, please contact Diana Velasco (CCESR Assistant Director and Faculty Liaison) at d.velasco@ccsu.edu.