Carnegie Classification and Community Engagement: A New Chapter in Educational Q&As

The Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement is a framework developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. It was first introduced in 2006 as an elective classification, meaning that it is based on voluntary participation by institutions.

The classification recognizes and encourages institutional commitment to community engagement by providing standards and processes. The Carnegie Classification is not an award but an evidence-based documentation of institutional practice for self-assessment and quality improvement.

As defined by the Carnegie Foundation, “Community engagement describes the 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.” (1)

The Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement encourages institutions 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.

The core principles of the Carnegie Classification are very similar to our mission at Public Purpose, as we provide a platform where learners can get clear, detailed answers and explanations to the most common question in different community-oriented verticals, like FEMA IS coursesThe organizations we focus on are renowned for their community engagement, making them a natural extension of the principles embodied by the Carnegie Classification.

(1) Source: https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/elective-classifications/community-engagement/