Civic Engagement
The Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement provides opportunities and experiences that emphasize awareness, service, and civic responsibility as critical competencies of successful NC A&T graduates and active citizens. Through community connections, meaningful exchanges/engagement, and self-explorations, students are empowered as catalysts for positive change, social impact, and constructive influence in their local, national, and/or global communities. We connect students with community partners and community organizations with student groups.
Please contact the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement at 336-334-7792 or olce@crnabiz.com to Become a Community Partner or Become a Volunteer.
Civic Engagement
Civic engagement is "working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes." (Excerpted from Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, edited by Thomas Ehrlich, published by Oryx Press, 2000, Preface, page vi.) In addition, civic engagement encompasses actions wherein individuals participate in activities of personal and public concern that are both individually life enriching and socially beneficial to the community.
At North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, civic engagement involves developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make a difference in our community and promote the quality of life through both political and non-political processes.
- Aggies Activate the Vote: Civic Engagement Fellows and Civic Engagement Champions engaged over 3000 plus students through programs and events hosted by student leaders and volunteers, educating students on the democratic process, the candidates platforms, and issues on the ballet.
- MLK Day of Service
- LEADS. Month of Service
- Alternative Break
- Students led protests against the taking away of the university polling site.
- Students organized a sit-in at the Board of Elections.
- Students signed petitions against Voter ID law as well as the usage of student "Aggie One" cards as acceptable forms of ID.
- Students conducted protests against gerrymandering (manipulating election boundaries to favor one party).
- Out of the Garden Mobile Food Bank
- Beloved Community Center Garden restoration
- Aggie Source Food Pantry and Clothing Rack
Service Learning
Service Learning is an educational approach where a student learns theories in the classroom and at the same time volunteers with an agency (usually a non-profit or social service group) and engages in reflection activities to deepen their understanding of what is being taught (Source: Elmhurst University (June 2021) What is Service Learning?).
Benefits of Civic Engagement and Service Learning
- Develop a Stronger Relationship with their Community.
- Enhance their capacity for serving others.
- Acquire career-related skills while refining their decision-making and critical thinking abilities.
- Gain a sense of responsibility as actively engaged citizens.
- Grow in their Awareness and Appreciation for Cultural Differences.