Critical to civic engagement at Drexel University is the way that it manifests our long held belief that learning is greatly enhanced by high quality experiences outside the university environment. The CCE uniquely contributes to Drexel’s reputation of experiential learning by introducing all students to community based experiential learning that connects the campus and the community in a mutually beneficial relationship. We do this by supporting both new and experienced faculty members in their work doing civic engagement in their courses. Our collective goal in such efforts is to provide educational opportunities for students where they can learn from their community-based experiences in ways that enhance their disciplines and career paths while developing as responsible global citizens. Ultimately, the value of such an approach is to encourage students to work toward integrating civic engagement into their academic pursuits and professional careers.

Community-Based Experiential Learning
Community Based Experiential Learning (CBEL) opportunities are specific courses that take place across the university where faculty and students integrate civic engagement activities into their coursework. CBEL courses put intellectual and human capital to work meeting a defined community need while extending the learning experiences of students.

Community-Based Research
Community Based Research (CBR) is a collaborative undertaking between university faculty and a community partner to address pressing issues in the community. In CBR, the research question is defined collaboratively between the researcher(s) and the community partner(s), while the research results have clearly stated action steps with a research product that helps to further the goals of the community partner.

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