Community-Based Learning and Research

What is community-based learning and research?

Community-based learning and research is a teaching and learning strategy that emphasizes experiential learning, direct service, and community partnership. All partners in community-based learning and research are both teachers and learners. Practical solutions take shape as students, faculty, community partners and staff share their knowledge and skills to research questions presented by community organizations. Community-based learning takes place in academic courses, internships, independent studies, EXCEL scholar projects, independent faculty research, and student clubs and honor societies.

Community-based learning and research allows students and faculty to:
  • Test the validity of facts and theories, and study concrete instances of phenomena presented in course readings, lectures, and discussions
  • Learn from people in the local community who have expertise in subjects outside of Lafayette faculty expertise
  • Analyze ways in which concepts and skills learned in a traditional academic setting might be used to solve real-life problems
  • Work collaboratively with those not part of the campus community to design and implement projects that benefit the larger community
  • Pursue scholarly projects in their field of interest

Experiential learning in action

Technology Clinic

The Technology Clinic is a two-semester, hands-on course that brings together students from different majors to help solve the real-world problems of a business, nonprofit organization or government body. 

Visit the tech clinic website

Economic Empowerment & Global Learning

Teams of EEGLP students and faculty from every academic division work hand in hand with residents to tackle economic issues. Teams have worked in Easton, New Orleans and Honduras.

Visit the EEGLP website

Malagasy Education

LIME is a peer-to-peer mentoring program between Lafayette students and high school students from Madagascar to prepare the latter for the process of applying to colleges in the US. Ten Lafayette students are chosen each year to participate in the program.

Visit the malagasy education website

The Robert B. and Helen S. Meyner Center for the Study of State and Local Government

The Meyner Center educates students about the importance of state and local governments and encourages them to participate in state and local affairs as volunteers, interns, and future leaders.

Visit the Meyner Center Website

Community Arts

Faculty and staff have assisted city planners, the local arts community, and residents to help develop the Karl Stirner Arts Trail as a walking trail and environmental corridor between downtown and 13th Street.

Visit the Karl Stirner Arts Trail Website