Community-Based Learning
Merging Classroom and Community
Community partnerships help apply what students learn in the classroom to the world around them.
Community-based learning is an experience developed in partnership with nonprofit and community organizations where students connect their academic work to projects that focus on community-defined need and enhance their understanding of social, civic and ethical issues.
Expanding Impact in the Classroom
Davidson regularly offers community-based learning courses that focus on social issues that meet a community-defined need. These courses include community investigations developed alongside community members, site visits to organizations and exhibits, and guest speakers who represent valuable community perspectives. Classes also engage in policy briefs and proposals for change and direct service experiences that, through critical reflection, connect course content to larger community issues.
Maximize Impact Community-Based Fellowships
Exciting opportunities also exist for students to engage with community organizations around pressing social issues through community-based summer internship and fellowship programs. Through these experiences, community living and a shared curriculum, students engaged with projects in real world settings. Davidson has built meaningful relationships with community organizations in the Lake Norman area and in Charlotte, allowing student to work with a variety of issues and organizations.
Meaningful Research and Outcomes
Students engaged with community-based learning have opportunities to conduct research and to work with communities to develop meaningful solutions to community-identified social issues. Students are provided with opportunities to present their research on campus during the annual Verna Miller Case Research and Creative Works Symposium, a campus-wide celebration of student research, creative works and community-based learning.
Support for Projects Developing & Funding Community-Based Projects
Many grant resources exist to support student-designed community based projects and internships with a focus on civic engagement and social action, faith, or peace. Develop a project idea and consult with faculty mentors, the Center for Civic Engagement and the Chaplain's Office to find more information regarding grants that can fund your project.
