Community Engaged Learning (CEL) is a community-based educational opportunity aimed to enhance learning through employing pedagogical strategies of structured critical reflection, dialogic engagement, integration of academic learning goals, and connection to clearly articulated community-desired outcomes and impact. In the CEL experience, students learn more about social issues, work alongside community partners, combine their off-campus learning with guided reflection under the mentorship of a faculty sponsor, and participate in critical community-engaged learning on-campus workshops.
The Office of Community-Engaged Learning (OCEL) aims to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with community organizations in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, and the greater Hudson Valley. By developing and centering partnerships, the OCEL provides students with the opportunity to learn alongside community partner organizations and make real-world connections to enhance their academic experiences. Community Engaged Learning (CEL) is a community-based educational opportunity aimed to enhance learning through employing pedagogical strategies of structured critical reflection, dialogic engagement, integration of academic learning goals, and connection to clearly articulated community-desired outcomes and impact
Step 1: Set up an appointment with the OCEL!
In this meeting we will talk about your social justice passions, areas of interest, transportation options, and go into more detail about the steps below. If you have a resume prepared, great! If not, we recommend meeting with The Center for Career Education (CCE).
In preparation, we encourage you to review CEL Opportunities here.
Step 2: Connect and interview with a community organization
Step 3: Email the OCEL to let us know if you are offered a position
Step 4: Ask a faculty member to be your faculty sponsor. We recommend asking someone you have taken a class with previously, or whose research aligns with the work of the organization.
Step 5: Register for CEL!
The deadline to register for Summer CEL is May 15. Register here!
Fall CEL Registration: Pre-Registration (April 8 – 19) or Add Period of the Fall Semester
Step 6: Complete the CEL Agreement Form.
Click here to complete the Summer 2024 CEL Agreement Form.
Step 7: Attend Mandatory CEL Workshops
Should you have any questions, please email ocel@vassar.edu