Two students working on coloring pages

Community-Engaged Learning Program

Community-Engaged Learning is a form of experiential education which links academic study to real-world experiences in community settings. It fosters civic responsibility by focusing on critical, reflective thinking and an appreciation of larger social issues inherent in a democracy. Training, supervision and evaluation are provided by supervisors at community-based organizations, in collaboration with the Montclair State University Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships along with its faculty partners. Community-Engaged Learning activities enhance academic learning, build maturity and insight, and prepare students for active citizenship and lifelong learning.

Montclair State University’s Community-Engaged Learning Program (formerly known as the Service-Learning Program) was officially launched in the spring of 1996 as part of the University’s broader commitment to experiential education. Each year the Community-Engaged Learning Program enrolls 300-400 students within 25-30 community-based organizations.

My favorite part of community-engaged learning was…

“Learning and diving deeper into cultural competence”

“When the children remembered my name, it seemed like I was doing
something right because if they didn’t remember me, they wouldn’t think of me as
a teacher.”

“Showing up and knowing I was a part of something where everyone was working to help others made it that enjoyable.”

For more information about enrolling in Community-Engaged Learning courses at Montclair State, contact:

Mikaela Guzman
Interim Bonner Leader and Service Coordinator, Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Office Location: Cole Hall 348
Email: guzmanm@montclair.edu