Community Engagement
Collaboration and partnerships for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources.
About community engagement
What is university-community engagement?
The Carnegie Community Engagement classification defines Community Engagement as:
“Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.” Community Engagement – Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Colorado State University applies this definition of community engagement across our mission areas of service, engagement, research, and teaching.
What is engaged scholarship?
Engaged Scholarship is the integration of academic scholarship and community engagement. As a member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, our goal is to work with communities, providing university knowledge and resources to help build community capacity.
Introduced in 2019, the Continuum of Engaged Scholarship is a framework to identify the breadth of engaged research, teaching and service activities. Engaged scholars at CSU co-create solutions and new knowledge with communities, while offering a model to individual faculty and departments for documenting progress, demonstrating and evaluating impact. Adapted from the International Association for Public Participation, CSU’s Continuum of Engaged Scholarship provides a roadmap for us to challenge ourselves and with the goal of continuous improvement.
National designation for community engagement
CSU earned the Carnegie Foundation’s Classification for Community Engagement designation in 2008, 2015, and again in 2026. The classification is a rigorous nationally reviewed process and documents important aspects of institutional mission, identity and commitments to engaged scholarship. It is an evidence-based certification of institutional practice, similar to an accreditation process of self-study.
Read about CSU’s 2026 national designation
Awards and recognition
In 2016, CSU earned the Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Universities Designation from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. The IEP Program recognizes institutions who have demonstrated substantive, institution-wide commitment and strategy for regional economic engagement, growth, and economic opportunity – CSU received the “Place” Award in 2016.
Learn more about the Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Program
In 2018, CSU earned the “Talent” Award from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. The IEP Program recognizes institutions who have demonstrated substantive, institution-wide commitment and strategy for regional economic engagement, growth and economic opportunity.
Learn more about the Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Program
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news from the source
From readiness to recovery, CSU Extension helps communities in emergencies
CSU Extension partners with the Colorado Department of Agriculture to ensure livestock producers’ needs are met in emergency response and recovery efforts.
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AgrAbility expands to improve mental health
CSU Extension is stepping in to help the Colorado AgrAbility Project, which assists farmers, ranchers, and farm workers with stress management, suicide prevention, and behavioral health needs.
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Office of Engagement and Extension prioritizes healthy aging programs
As Colorado’s population shifts, Engagement and Extension prioritizes healthy aging, with more programs in the works.
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The sun rises of Rifle Colorado, home of the Garfield County Fair, July 27, 2021 News from the Source
New $6M center at CSU will expand state’s behavioral health workforce
Colorado State University has received a two-year, $6 million investment from the state to create a center that will expand Colorado’s behavioral health workforce.
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The sun rises of Rifle Colorado, home of the Garfield County Fair, July 27, 2021 News from the Source
Solutions in agriculture
Colorado State University’s Ag Innovation Center shapes the future of farming and ranching.
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The sun rises of Rifle Colorado, home of the Garfield County Fair, July 27, 2021 News from the Source
CSU fosters stronger community conversations through public deliberation
CSU’s Center for Public Deliberation helps communities engage in thoughtful, inclusive conversations around complex public issues.
Grants and awards
Colorado State University recognizes exemplary community engagement through its prestigious Community Engagement Scholarship Awards, celebrating partnerships that advance knowledge, address societal challenges, and create mutual benefit. Aligned with CSU’s land-grant mission and strategic plan, these awards provide funding to support impactful engagement initiatives. Explore the grants and awards page to learn more about these opportunities and how they advance CSU’s commitment to community engagement.