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.
- 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.
Click here to see examples of funded CBL grants.
- 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, 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 and disciplinary diversity)
Proposals should clearly demonstrate:
- How course goals were co-created in collaboration with community partners
- How the course addresses community-identified priorities
- The anticipated short- and longer-term impacts on community member(s) and organization(s)
Assistant Director of Community-Engaged Scholarship Dave Lassen: dlassen@wisc.edu
Budget and Application Form
Proposals are now being accepted for Community-based Learning Course Development Grants. 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 deadline has passed. We are no longer accepting applications.