Civic Engagement & Service-Learning

Support Community Engagement!

Civic Engagement and Service-Learning (CESL) provides opportunities for students, faculty and staff to engage with communities to deepen learning and work collectively for a more just world. By supporting CESL, you support the development of engaged learning and research opportunities that have impacts in local communities in Western Massachusetts, throughout the Commonwealth and across the globe.

You can make a difference with your support for our core programs. Our gift and scholarship funds are used to support student access, community collaborations and academic and professional development.

OUR FUNDS:

Civic Engagement and Service-Learning

Provide critical support across all CESL programs and courses—strengthening opportunities for deeper community partnership, powerful learning and impactful change.  Funding for student transportation to community partners in Amherst, Holyoke, Springfield and other neighboring communities is a substantial current need to ensure access and equity in CESL’s work.

Community Scholars Program (CSP) (Formerly Citizen Scholar Program)

Support this multi-year, cohort-based program that fosters critical analysis, community building, and ongoing partnership with community organizations for social change.  Gifts support a range of programmatic needs including student support, community partner collaborations, course field trips, and other program events.

Schimmel/Keene Community Scholars Program Endowment

Provide one or more of our students in the CSP program with need-based scholarships or summer internship funding and build long-term resources for other CSP program needs.  Established with a generous gift from CSP’s co-founders, Professors Dave Schimmel and Art Keene.

Civic Engagement and Service Learning John Reiff Fund

Enhance the development of civic engagement at UMass Amherst through your support of civic engagement internships for CESL undergraduates, as well as funding for CESL students, faculty and staff to attend conferences, workshops and other academic and professional development opportunities. Established in honor of the dedication and leadership of long-time CESL/CSP Director, John Reiff, upon his retirement.

Boltwood Project

Support this student-run civic engagement and leadership program that organizes weekly enrichment activities with people with diverse intellectual or physical ability and develops strategies to oppose ableism.  Boltwood is the largest and longest continuously running community engagement program at UMass Amherst.  Gifts support monthly weekend seminars, community partner collaborations and other programmatic needs.