CBLR - Community-Based Learning and Research

Community-based learning and research (CBLR) is a teaching and learning strategy that emphasizes experiential learning, direct service, and community partnership. It links community engagement and academic study through mutually beneficial collaborations that provide rich learning experiences and research opportunities for students and faculty in practical applications that effectively address community needs and concerns. Through CBLR, our community partners become our team-teachers as students learn from residents, professionals, and organizations in ways that are not possible through traditional classroom learning. Community partners, in collaboration with faculty, generate researchable questions that are infused into courses, internships, independent studies, EXCEL scholar projects, and independent faculty research.