Community Engaged Scholarship Academy

Community Engaged Scholarship Academy

Fall 2026 Dates and Times: Wednesdays from 2:00-4:00 p.m., in-person (9/9, 9/16, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18) as well as a one day special training on Friday, September 18 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (students may miss sections of the day for required academic reasons).

Spring 2027 Dates and Times: Two in-person sessions: Wednesday, January 13, 2-4pm and Friday, April 16, 11am-2pm. Additionally, participants will have three, 1-hour, monthly check-ins during the spring. 

Apply Here by August 31!

The Community Engaged Scholarship Academy: Part 1 is a year-long program, introducing graduate students to key concepts in, methods of, and considerations for community engaged scholarship, as well as how to apply this knowledge in research and practice. The Community Engaged Scholarship Academy is a collaborative program among the Graduate School, and faculty and staff throughout campus. 

Typical Topics: Introduction to community engaged scholarship, ethics in community engagement projects, developing and sustaining community partnerships, methods of community engaged research, documenting and communicating accomplishments, and trauma-informed practice.

During the fall, participants will learn foundational concepts and key approaches to community engagement and community-engaged scholarship; gain practical strategies, tools, resources to help participants immediately; bolster their CV or resume for the job search; and begin their participation in a community engaged research project. Pairs of students will be matched with community partners to complete a research project. 

Continuing into the spring, participants will put into practice what they have learned about community engaged scholarship. With two in-person sessions, monthly virtual check-ins, and support from faculty mentors, students will complete a project with community partners. 

Outcomes: Participating graduate students who are able to mostly complete the requirements will be eligible for a $500 award. 

In The News:

Strong Community Partnerships Earn Recognition for UofL's Graduate School

Community Partners

Students in the Community Engaged Scholarship Academy have worked with a number of different community partners, such as:

• The Louisville Zoo
• Kentucky Youth Advocates
• Tip It Forward
• OS International
• Louisville Grows
• C.H.O.I.C.E
• Bernheim Forest and Arboretum
• The Louisville Free Public Library
• Louisville Central Community Centers
• Age Friendly Louisville
• 300 For 300
• Ripples

See examples of project outcomes here. 

If you are a community organization interested in partnering, please email Dr. Michelle Rodems (michelle.rodems@louisville.edu).