Menu York College of Pennsylvania IN THIS SECTION Home About Us Offices and Departments Center for Community Engagement PROJECT- AND COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING Have you ever asked a teacher (or yourself) “how will I use what I am learning in the real world?” Project- and Community-Based Learning (CBL) can help you answer that question. At York College, you’ll have the opportunity to use what you learn in the classroom to engage in real-world projects with community partners! The old-school model of merely learning facts is not sufficient in today's world. Solving highly complex problems while working on authentic projects in the community will provide students with 21st-century skills. Working side by side, community members and students seek solutions to current social, business, and government problems. Merging classroom learning outcomes with community interaction allows students to engage in opportunities that make learning more meaningful and more significant. All of our students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects with community partners in their First-Year Seminar courses through their Capstone Courses. They are guided and mentored by their professors, becoming directors and managers of their learning process. We know by experience that students are more engaged in their education and retain their learning more fully when they apply classroom learning in real, hands-on environments. And when you’re ready to graduate, you’ll have a wealth of experience to tell prospective employers about—real accomplishments that show not only what you’ve learned, but what you’ve done! Working together, the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Center for Community Engagement connect classes with community partners in which you can learn by doing as you address their real needs. EXPLORE FEATURED PROJECTS URBAN COLLABORATIVE The aim of the Urban Collaborative project is to revitalize distressed real estate (residential and/or commercial) in York’s neighborhoods through the empowerment of, and support for, those who live in those neighborhoods. KEYSTONES ORAL HISTORIES COLLABORATION The York College Center for Community Engagement and Keystones Oral Histories series are partnering to raise awareness of the rightful place of veterans of color in the historic military legacy of York County’s history. COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH More and more York College classes are collaborating with community partners to make your learning meaningful and to give you the chance to have a real impact—from Day One. LEARN MORE COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING AT YORK COLLEGE The CBL Approach The CBL Approach Solving highly complex problems requires not only fundamental academic skills—like reading, writing, and math— but also 21st-century skills such as collaboration, communication, time management, research, information synthesis, problem-solving, and utilizing technology (including video conferencing and virtual collaboration tools). Participating in CBL helps students to hone these skills, which are valuable assets in any career. CBL activities and projects are defined by several characteristics: They originate in real community needs as defined by the partner organization. They are founded in careful research and analysis to make data-informed decisions. They are propelled by investigation of defined goals. They are led by students and mentored by teachers. They are significant to the student. They consist of a task, a process, and/or a product, as well as the opportunity for reflection on learning. CBL courses incorporate these characteristics by guiding students to move toward a particular learning goal while addressing a specific need in the community. As part of a CBL course, you will: Apply fundamental academic skills and 21st-century skills to address a real-world issue. Think critically, ask questions, and practice intelligent listening. Cultivate expertise in the subject matter and develop ownership over your innovations. Incorporate feedback from both the instructor and your peers as you fine-tune your ideas. Publicly present your findings, demonstrate your knowledge, and respond to questions and comments. Benefits of CBL Examples of Community-Based Projects Engaged Scholars Community Partners CONTACT US CENTER FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING & CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (CCE) Center for Teaching and Learning Campbell Hall, 216 Phone: 717.815.6750 cai@ycp.edu Dominic DelliCarpini, Ph.D., Dean, CCE Campus: Humanities Center, Room 29 Downtown: Center for Community Engagement 59 E. Market St., York, PA 17401 Phone: 717.815.1213 cce@ycp.edu Karin A. Swartz, M.S.Ed. Director of Programming, CCE Phone: 717.815.1421 kswartz1@ycp.edu CONTACT US 441 Country Club Rd York, PA 17403-3651 717.846.7788 CONNECT WITH US York College Calendar Facebook York College Twitter York College YouTube York College Instagram York College Flickr About Us Admissions Academics Student Life News & Events MyYCP Athletics Bookstore Library Faculty & Staff Offices & Departments Employment Privacy Feedback Give to York College Copyright © York College of Pennsylvania