Community-Engaged Learning & Research

Community-Engaged Learning & Research (CELR) courses are hands-on, reflective, skill-building opportunities for students to engage with campus and community projects. Through a mutually beneficial exchange with community partners, students apply theory to practice, develop professional experience, and contribute to the public good.

for students

courses

for partners

for faculty

What is CELR?

CELR is defined as a credit-bearing educational experience where students participate in an organized activity (direct service, research, creative process, advocacy, consulting) collaborating with a community partner (organization, industry, business, K-12 schools, local government) for the purpose of mutual beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity (adapted from Bringle and Hatcher (1996) & the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching).

Our mission is the advancement of mutually beneficial relationships between the university and the extra-campus community through community-engaged learning and research for the purposes of education and growth among all involved parties. CELR supports the University of Washington Bothell in its mission to be a “transformational learning community,” and to “serve as a catalyst to enhance quality of life throughout our region” while fostering a “dynamic community of multicultural learning.”

Explore ways to engage with us

There are many ways to engage with CELR, whether you’re a student, a faculty member, or a community partner. See below to learn more about how you can get involved.

For students

Learn more about ways you can engage with UW Bothell community partners while gaining valuable volunteer and career experience:

Courses

CELR classes let you apply what you’ve learned, gain professional skills, and grow your network, all while making a positive impact in our community.

For partners

Collaborate with UW Bothell to create opportunities to foster reciprocal exchange of knowledge and resources. Learn more about the role of partners in CELR courses.

Faculty giving tour to staff and students in wetlands

For faculty

Explore ways to engage students with community partners through community-engaged research courses and projects:

Connected Learning students volunteering

CELR Advising

Meeting with a CELR advisor is easy! Appointments can be scheduled for virtual or in-person. Email or call us at uwbcelr@uw.edu or 425-352-3195 if you have any questions about scheduling an advising appointment.