Community Partner Resources

What is Community-Based Learning?

Community-Based Learning is a partnership-driven approach that positions community organizations, local experts, and residents as co-educators. It connects student learning to real community needs while honoring community expertise, history, and lived experience. 

It values what students already know from their home, culture, and life experiences.

What does it look like?

Community partners collaborating with educators to co-design learning experiences for students. This looks like students engaging in real-world projects, research, or service connected to community priorities. Clear communication, shared expectations, and mutual benefit are key to this interactive learning experience. Opportunities are carefully crafted to help students learn from professionals and community leaders. 

What are the benefits?

• Builds stronger relationships between schools and community organizations
• Creates a pipeline of informed, engaged, and civically minded young people
• Creates opportunities for reciprocal benefit
• Amplifies (increases) community voice and expertise within public education
• Supports sustainable partnerships rather than on-time engagements

How can I get involved?

• Share your story, expertise, or organization's work with a classroom
• Host a short visit, interview, or virtual conversation with students
• Collaborate on a small project or problem, not a large commitment
• Clarify what support you can offer (time, knowledge, space, resources)
• Reflect with educators on what worked and what could (improve) grow
• Join a CommunityShare Network in your area!