In the words of Rev. Pedro Arrupe, S.J., the goal of Jesuit Catholic education is to develop “men and women for and with others.”
Our programs include a wide range of community engagement opportunities including Service-Learning Courses, Weekly Service Activities, One-Time Service Projects and Events, and support for Social Justice Advocacy. These programs involve students directly with those most in need through our collaboration with more than 85 community partners in the Cleveland area.
CSSA defines community engagement as follows:
Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.
CSSA defines service-learning as follows:
Service-Learning- A course-based, credit bearing high impact experience that integrates service and academic learning to promote increased understanding of course content while helping students develop knowledge, skills, and cognitive capacities to deal effectively with complex real-world realities. Students participate in organized service activities or content related projects that meet authentic needs in communities. Students reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.
For more information on these community engagement and service-learning activities or other programs with the Center for Service-Learning and Social Action, please contact us at service@jcu.edu or at 216-397-4698.