Exceptional Achievement in Community Engaged Learning - Awards

A series of awards presented each year to a student, an instructor, and a community partner who demonstrate remarkable contributions to Community Engaged and Service-Learning programs and to university and community partnerships.

Recipients are announced in April as part of Celebrate CSU.


Nominations close on February 2nd, 2026

We encourage and welcome self-nominations from students, instructors, and community partners who feel their work has made a meaningful impact through Community Engaged Learning and service. 

Community Partner Award

This award is presented to a CSU community partner for their contributions to building university-community partnerships that meet community-articulated needs and challenges while supporting the holistic education of the next generation of professionals, leaders, and citizens.

Student Award

This CEL student award is presented to a student or student group for their remarkable social or environmental contributions achieved through an academic service-learning course, a supervised internship or professional project, or community-engaged or service-learning research.

Instructor Award

This award is presented to CSU faculty members or instructors who demonstrate an innovative contribution to service-learning curriculum development and/or community outreach.