Engaged Scholarship

Building partnerships…Strengthening communities…

Educating to change the world by doing - that is what is required of institutions of higher education in order to meet the demands set forth by an ever-changing, complex society. The issues currently faced by societies locally and abroad require new responses and different types of relationships with the communities in which we serve as educators. We must engage with our surrounding communities in addressing social issues.

The term "engaged scholarship,” first used in a 1996 article with that title, redefines faculty scholarly work from application of academic expertise to community engaged scholarship that involves the faculty member in a reciprocal partnership with the community, is interdisciplinary, and integrates faculty roles of teaching, research, and service.

At Western Kentucky University, the ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships provides opportunities for engaged scholarship by facilitating service-learning and community-based research with communities throughout the world. The Center staff offer programs and resources to improve the quality of the service-learning or research experience.

Find out more about funding opportunities through the Community Partnership Incentive Awards or $100 Solution program. Take advantage of our resource library or student and faculty handbooks for service-learning. Inquire about the Hill House for graduate students pursuing research opportunities.

Service-learning and community-based research programs are coordinated by Nadia DeLeon, Community Engagement Coordinator. Explore our website or call or visit the Center to find out more about how you can get connected to engaged scholarship opportunities and resources.