California State University, Long Beach has been chosen to receive the 2015 Community Engagement Classification. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching chose the University for this achievement. CSULB is one of only 361 institutions to achieve this distinction.
This achievement is an elective classification for colleges and universities that have an established focus on community service. Schools can apply for this classification. The application requires data and documentation of community engagement elements in the school’s mission, identity and commitments. Interested schools must also supply proof of a significant effort in community service.
The 2015 Community Engagement commendation is considered a “re-classification” after CSULB was first honored in 2008. This re-classification is valid until 2025. After this, a university must submit for another re-classification.
Examples of CSULB’s institutional focus on community service include, the establishment of and support for the Center for Community Engagement, which works with faculty to create service-learning opportunities for students; the co-founding and expansion of the Long Beach College Promise and the incorporation of community engagement language in CSULB’s Strategic Priorities and Goals.
Students, faculty and staff at Cal State, Long Beach have participated in a variety of community engagement activities, including the Women In Engineering Outreach Program, as part of a national initiative to increase the number of women working in science, technology, engineering and math and assisting with physical exams, health education and referrals for local school children through the Health on Wheels Mobile Clinic. They also taught semester-long courses in art, music, dance and theatre to K-5 students in underserved areas of Long Beach.