--- title: "Community-Engaged Learning (CEL)" url: "/academics/community-engaged-learning" type: page date: 2026-09-08 updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) Academics # Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) **Learning with and through community.** At Manhattan University, Community-Engaged Learning (CEL), also known as service-learning, connects academic learning with meaningful community partnerships. Through service, advocacy and research tied directly to course content, students apply what they learn to real-world needs identified by community partners. These experiences are built around clear learning goals and reciprocal relationships that benefit both students and the communities with which they work. **Community-Engaged Learning (CEL)** brings Manhattan University’s mission to life by preparing students for personal development, professional success, civic engagement and service to others. Image ![ Students Collaborating on a Project in a Modern Library. Young Adults Engaged in Discussion, Using Laptops and Books, Sharing Ideas and Laughing Together](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/students-groups-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=Z06Wy-qG) ## What Is Community-Engaged Learning? Community-Engaged Learning is an approach to teaching and learning that connects academic coursework with meaningful engagement in the community. Faculty develop sustainable, reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, agencies and advocacy organizations. Through these partnerships, students connect course learning objectives with community-defined needs while deepening their understanding of the social, economic and environmental issues affecting our neighbors. CEL brings together theoretical knowledge, experiential learning, service and reflection. Students are encouraged to think critically about what they are learning, understand their role within the broader community and consider how their knowledge and actions can contribute to positive, sustainable change. ### A Lasallian Commitment to Community Community-Engaged Learning is a concrete expression of the Lasallian values at the heart of Manhattan University's mission: > “To provide a contemporary, person-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings.” Through CEL, students develop civic responsibility, critical thinking and ethical awareness while learning what it means to participate actively and responsibly in their communities. This work reflects an ethic of social change leadership and values rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, including human dignity, solidarity, care for creation, concern for people who are poor or marginalized, and responsibility for the common good. ## Community-Engaged Learning at Manhattan Whether you are a student looking for an applied learning experience, a faculty member developing a course or a community organization interested in partnering with Manhattan University, Community-Engaged Learning creates opportunities to connect. ### #### What We Do Community-Engaged Learning is a collaborative process that connects Manhattan University courses and programs with community priorities. Our work includes: ### Building Reciprocal Community Partnerships We develop sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships between Manhattan University and community-based organizations, schools, agencies and social change organizations. Community partners help identify priorities and needs, ensuring that projects are developed with communities rather than simply for them. ### Connecting Academic Learning With Community Needs CEL connects course learning objectives with opportunities for students to address needs identified by community organizations and the people they serve. Students may work directly or indirectly with organizations addressing issues such as: - Access to education - Immigration - Environmental sustainability - Affordable housing - Access to healthcare and eldercare - Poverty - Homelessness - Food security - Social and economic justice ### Supporting Community-Engaged Courses We support faculty in developing and implementing courses that integrate academic content with meaningful community engagement. CEL experiences are intentionally connected to course learning objectives and provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. ### Preparing Students for Ethical Engagement Students are oriented to their service placements and introduced to the communities and organizations with which they will work. Preparation emphasizes respectful, responsible and ethical community engagement as well as an understanding of the social and historical context surrounding the issues being addressed. ### Creating Opportunities for Service We coordinate campus community service projects and connect students with volunteer and service opportunities throughout the academic year. Students can visit the Social Action Suite to learn about current projects and available opportunities. ### Making Reflection Part of the Learning Community engagement is paired with structured opportunities for students to critically think, talk and write about their service, advocacy or research experiences. Reflection helps students connect their experiences to academic concepts while developing a deeper understanding of their responsibilities within their communities and society. ### Learning With Our Community Partners CEL encourages students and faculty to learn alongside community partners about the underlying causes of the challenges affecting the people and communities they serve. The goal is not simply to provide service, but to develop a deeper understanding of the conditions that create community needs and consider how collaborative action can contribute to lasting change. Manhattan University continues to build partnerships with organizations, schools and agencies serving underserved communities, caring for the environment and advocating for positive social change. ### #### Who We Are Community-Engaged Learning brings together people across Manhattan University and throughout our surrounding communities. ### Students Students connect academic learning with real-world experience while developing professional skills, civic responsibility and a deeper understanding of the communities and issues they encounter. ### Faculty Faculty develop courses and learning experiences that connect academic objectives with community engagement, experiential learning and structured reflection. ### Community Partners Community organizations help identify needs, establish priorities and shape experiences so that partnerships are responsive, reciprocal and mutually beneficial. ### Community Engagement Team **Alyssa Lenihan** Assistant Director of Community Engagement & Service Learning **Michael Castro** AmeriCorps VISTA, Food Security Coordinator ### #### Where to Find Us **Community Engagement** Social Action Suite, Room 203 Second Floor, Kelly Commons Manhattan University Students are encouraged to stop by, explore the space, meet the Community Engagement team and learn about current opportunities to participate. **Email contacts:** Alyssa Lenihan Michael Castro Image ![students help prepare and pack food as part of a weekly service event](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/weekly-service_385x275_mini.jpg?h=4c5cf7df&itok=LzYCSqEk) Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) ## Get Involved **Put Learning Into Action** Students interested in service and community engagement can visit the Social Action Suite to learn about current projects and opportunities. Volunteer opportunities are also available through the University's service sign-up resources. [ View Volunteer Opportunities ](https://canva.link/rms9ucnijotz3ly) Image ![students help prepare and pack food as part of a weekly service event](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/weekly-service_385x275_mini.jpg?h=4c5cf7df&itok=LzYCSqEk)