This page outlines various resources available at Boston University for experiential learning and community engagement.
Guides/Resources
Boston University Resources
- CTL Experiential Learning Guide – an overview of experiential learning definitions, background, and resources for further research on experiential learning
- CTL Guide on Service Learning – an overview of service learning (or community-engaged learning), background, discussion of value, further research, sample assignments, and resources for planning assignments and syllabi
- Hub Experiences – concrete examples of experiential learning for undergraduates through the Hub
- Community Service Center Opportunities for Faculty and Staff – sample opportunities and resources for faculty looking to engage students in community-engaged learning
- BU Spark – resources related to the experiential learning lab housed in Computing & Data Sciences
- Student-facing CAS Connector Guide explaining to students experiential learning opportunities available to them in the College of Arts and Sciences
- BU Diversity & Inclusion – potentially providing guidance to successful collaborations with community partners
External Resources
- WPI Center for Project-Based Learning – provides background information and suggestions on implementing project-based learning
- Campus Compact – longstanding resource for community-engaged learning, teaching resources, and encouraging connections to community engagement at other universities
- University of Minnesota Center for Community-Engaged Learning – a leader in community-engaged learning, providing sample assignments and reflections, as well as further resources for faculty
- Welcome to Community-Engaged Teaching and Research at Northeastern: A Self-Guided Module for Faculty
Funding Resources
Grants and Fellowships Office
The central resource for assistance with grants at Boston University is the Office of Sponsored Programs. The office assists faculty and administrators with grants management throughout the project lifecycle, including proposal review and submission, award acceptance, managing an award, compliance, and award closeout. Read more here
Contact information:
Address: 25 Buick Street, Suite 200 Boston, MA 02215-1301
Email: ospera@bu.edu
Telephone: 617-353-4365
The first step is just finding out what funding opportunities are available. Sponsored Programs Office suggests using COS Pivot, which compiles federal, non-federal, foundation, corporate, and private funding opportunities that covers nearly every discipline. Try Pivot out here: COS Pivot
Opportunities
- Hub Funding Opportunities
- BU Arts Initiative Funding
- College-specific funding such as the CAS Virginia Sapiro Academic Enhancement Fund or the Kilachand Course Enrichment Fund (up to $1,000)
- Grant-funded projects (grant specific)
- ACT Grants from Shipley Center, DL&I ($5000 or less, connected to innovation and technology)
This resource is part of the Bridge Builders Experiential Learning Toolkit and was contributed by Sheila Cordner (Senior Lecturer, Humanities, College of General Studies), Liling Huang (Senior Lecturer in Chinese, World Languages & Literatures, College of Arts & Sciences), and Sean Kealy (Clinical Associate Professor of Law, Clinical & Experiential Programs, School of Law).
The Bridge Builders Experiential Learning Program (2022-2024) was jointly sponsored by the MetroBridge Program within the Initiative on Cities and the Center for Teaching & Learning and supported with funding from the Davis Educational Foundation. Read more about the Bridge Builders Program.
Last updated: April 1, 2024