Connecting Education to Community
Service learning and community engagement are high-impact educational practices that significantly improve student outcomes, enhance critical thinking, and develop civic skills for graduates as they enter their careers. Community Engaged Learning is the Honors College's home for these practices.
We coordinate service-learning and community-engaged opportunities for students, build relationships with partner organizations across Clarksville-Montgomery County and beyond, and serve as a campus-wide liaison to community engagement initiatives at Austin Peay. Whether you're looking for a service-learning course that fits your degree plan, a connection to a local organization, or an international community engagement experience, Community Engaged Learning is your starting point.
Community Engaged Learning and PELP
The director of Community Engaged Learning also serves as the director of the President's Emerging Leaders Program, creating a natural link between leadership development and community service.
PELP selects 20 incoming freshmen each year to participate in a four-year leadership training program. A key requirement of the program is community service; PELP students complete 40 hours of service annually. This allows them to apply their leadership skills in real-life situations while fostering a deeper sense of civic responsibility. For PELP students, this commitment is not just a checkbox to mark; it is an essential aspect of developing into a leader who actively supports others.
More Ways to Get Involved
Community Engagement & Sustainability offers a range of service and volunteer opportunities open to all APSU students, including Alternative Break Trips, Govs Serve Clarksville, and the annual Peayple in the Community Day of Service. If you're ready to start serving, their office is a great place to explore what's available.