Office of Community-Based Learning

The Office of Community Based Learning coordinates community based learning activities and provides development and support resources for University faculty through grants, workshops, and curriculum development. Community Based Learning (CBL) is an academic experience that involves students working with individuals, groups, or organizations in ways structured to meet community-defined needs.

In keeping with the Jesuit, Catholic mission of The University of Scranton, CBL incorporates a global perspective and understanding through integration of theory with practice, direct engagement with community members and personal and critical academic reflection. Community-Based Learning prepares students to understand common challenges facing humanity, identify systemic problems, and develop a commitment to their communities, especially “people who live and work in poverty, illness, inequality, hopelessness, and other social disparities.”

Community-Based Research (CBR) involves faculty, students and community partners in the research process and recognizes the unique contributions of each. Research is action-oriented and focused on concerns relevant to the community. There is a reciprocal transfer of knowledge, skills and capacity to sustain a long-term commitment.

The Office of Community Based Learning works with our community-partner agencies to identify projects that foster mutually beneficial collaborations between the University and the greater Scranton community. Faculty are encouraged to view our list of suggested CBL/CBR options. Contact Debra L. Fetherman, PhD, CBL Faculty Coordinator at debra.fetherman@scranton.edu to review the basics of teaching/leading a CBL course and/or project. Contact either Julie Schumacher Cohen, CBL Chair at julie.cohen@scranton.edu or Daysi Carreto, Assistant Director of Community and Civic Engagement at daysi.carreto@scranton.edu, to learn more about community partnerships.

 

2024-2025 CBL Project Ideas

As Faculty prepare for fall courses, we encourage all to utilize our compilation of CBL Anti-Racism Resources. The page linked below comprises a variety of resources, including from the AJCU network, Campus Compact and other partners, on how to work toward anti-racism in the context of community-based learning and community engagement, including teaching tools, academic articles, and local organizations. This is not a comprehensive list of resources, as we are still learning ourselves. Faculty with suggestions for additional resources, can contact daysi.carreto@scranton.edu to suggest additional resources. 

CBL Anti-Racism Resources

The Office of Community-Based Learning (CBL) is pleased to announce a pilot program for student fellowships for the Spring 2025 semester. Student fellowships are available to junior and senior undergraduate students within any major who seek to pursue a CBL project with a faculty mentor during the 2025 spring semester. Fellows will also receive a stipend for the semester of $500. Lunch/food will be provided during monthly cohort meetings. Applications are due November 11th, 2024. Please see the call for proposals below for more details. If you have any questions, including if you need assistance in identifying a faculty mentor or a community partner, please contact Julie Schumacher Cohen, CBL Board Chair (julie.cohen@scranton.edu) or Dr. Debra Fetherman, CBL Faculty Coordinator (debra.fetherman@scranton.edu).

CBL Student Fellowship Program Description 

CBL Student Fellowship Program Application 

Scroll to Top