Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) Course Mini Grants

The USU Center for Community Engagement (CCE) offers Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) Course Mini-Grants of up to $500 to help instructors create meaningful, high-impact community-engaged learning experiences in undergraduate courses.

Who Can Apply

All faculty and graduate students teaching undergraduate CEL courses are eligible. Instructors are welcome to apply more than once; however, these mini grants are designed to provide initial support for CEL courses that will eventually be sustained by their academic units.

If a new or existing undergraduate course doesn’t yet have the CEL course designation, instructors will need to first submit the CEL Course Designation Form in ServiceNow before applying.

Is Our Project a CEL Project?

Community-engaged learning projects that are integrated into courses invite students to apply knowledge and skills from the classroom to the real world in an effort to address community-identified needs. Through this process, students and faculty create mutually beneficial relationships that improve learning, prompt meaningful classroom reflection and discussion, and support the public good. 

Community-engaged learning projects are planned alongside community partners, address the needs that they identify, and feature reciprocity among the students, faculty, and partners.

Funding Details

Mini grants of up to $500 per course, per semester, are available on a rolling basis. Funds must be used within one month of the end of the semester in which the course is taught. Funding is limited, so early applications are encouraged.

Grants may cover costs directly related to implementing a CEL course, such as:

  • Materials, equipment, or printing for CEL projects
  • Motor Pool vehicle rental to transport students to and from CEL project sites
  • Parking for community partners who come to campus to work with a CEL class
  • Refreshments for end-of-semester student presentations to community partners

All mini grant recipients will be asked to complete a brief survey to report how funds were used to support their CEL course.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and award notifications are sent within three weeks of submission. We recommend applying early as funds are limited.

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Dr. Sonia Manuel-Dupont with student

Sonia Manuel-Dupont (right), faculty member with the Department of Speech and Hearing Science and the Department of English, supports many students as they pursue community-engaged work as part of her courses.

Questions?

Email nelda.ault@usu.edu or stop by Taggart Student Center #316/318

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