Emerson gets Community Engagement Classification

For the first time ever, Emerson College has received the Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation, which recognizes the College for its high level of commitment to civic and community engagement.

Emerson is one of 361 institutions nationwide that now hold the Community Engagement Classification. In a letter to the College, the Carnegie Foundation said Emerson “documented excellent alignment among campus mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement.”

The foundation also said Emerson provided “examples of exemplary institutionalized practices of community engagement.”

Emerson’s classification is valid for 10 years — until 2025.

In 2013 Emerson launched the Elma Lewis Center for Civic Engagement, Learning, and Research, which took the lead in applying for the Community Engagement Classification, and is building programs that grow Emerson’s civic engagement imprint in and around Boston.

“We are so proud and gratified that the Community Engagement Classification is recognizing Emerson’s long-standing work in the community,” said Kelly Bates, founding executive director of the Elma Lewis Center. “This classification will be a great opportunity to build partnerships with other institutions and receive support for our important civic engagement work over the next decade.”

The Elma Lewis Center initiates and coordinates civic engagement activities and programs for the College, supports Emerson’s community and school partnerships, fosters discourse on issues of social consequence, and promotes the expansion of service learning, civic leadership, and engaged scholarship at the College and beyond.

“Civic engagement is a core feature of what it means to be truly educated in the 21^st century,” said Emerson President Lee Pelton. “The Community Engagement Classification is a major honor and I am so pleased at the progress we have made to strengthen our already notable commitment in this area.”