Summer CEL – How to Engage

Community-Engaged Learning is a community-based experiential educational opportunity. Students work with a community partner and supplement off-campus learning with the support of a faculty sponsor.

The OCEL aims to build long-term and asset-based community partnerships that center community voice. We work collaboratively with students, faculty, and community partners to facilitate credit-bearing community-based (CEL) experiences that complement students’ academic journey. The OCEL hopes that CEL experiences will help students deepen their self-awareness, make real-world connections outside of the classroom, sharpen their critical analysis skills of the root causes of social injustices, and develop knowledge, tools, and agency to create a more just world.

Staying in Poughkeepsie this summer? Follow this link for summer housing information (scroll down to the summer 2023 application link & information.)


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 Summer 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 by May 17th!

Click here to register!

Step 6: Complete the CEL Agreement Form

Click here to access the form. (The CEL Agreement Form is due Monday, June 12, 2023)

Step 7: Attend OCEL-facilitated workshops

Coming Soon!

Should you have any questions, please email ocel@vassar.edu