Community-based Learning Course Development Grant
The Community-based Learning Course Development Grant Program is intended to support courses that bring together a diverse group of UW–Madison students to engage in community-based learning with non-profit or community organizations.
Community-based learning is a credit-bearing, high-impact educational experience that integrates meaningful community engagement, both direct engagement as well as project-based work, with guided reflection to enhance students’ understanding of course content and sense of civic responsibility.
Proposals that address how the course will involve a diverse group of UW–Madison students to meet a community-identified priority are especially encouraged. Extra consideration will be given to proposals addressing the recommendations of the university’s Civic Action Plan, especially #9: “Support innovative models of community-based learning and student engagement that create sustained partnerships and sustained student engagement that complement the common/typical one semester course (university-centered) time frame.”
This initiative is designed to support undergraduate and graduate-level courses in all disciplines.
Contact Assistant Director of Community-Engaged Scholarship Dave Lassen with any questions.
Funding Details
- Wages for an upper-level undergraduate or graduate student, including a TA or PA, to assist with course development and implementation
- Supplies and other miscellaneous expenses directly related to course development and implementation
- Compensating community partners
Note: If your partnership is based in Dane County, you may be eligible for transportation assistance for your students. Click here to learn more about transportation support provided by the Morgridge Center.
- Community-based Learning Course Development Grants are intended to support courses in any discipline and at all levels that intentionally bring together a diverse group of UW-Madison students to engage in community-based learning with community organizations, public sector entities, or grassroots groups
- To be eligible for funding, a course must align with the UAPC-approved guidelines for community-based learning. The proposal must also clearly address the aspects described in this overview.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate:
- Student learning outcomes and related assessment strategies
- How the instructor will prepare students to engage in collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships off-campus
- How the instructor will engage a diverse array of students (including demographic, disciplinary, and/or viewpoint diversity)
Proposals should clearly demonstrate:
- How course goals were co-created in collaboration with community partners
- How the course addresses community-identified priorities
- How the instructor will identify and account for community partner interests and resources throughout the course project
- The anticipated short- and longer-term impacts on community member(s) and organization(s)
Criteria and Application Form
Proposals may support the creation of a new community-based learning course or the addition of a community-based component to an existing course.
Review Criteria for Applicants: Click here to read more about grant guidelines and requirements.
Application Form: Click here for more information about the required elements of course development grant proposals.
Application Deadline: The application will close on Wednesday, Sept. 30.