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@ncat.edu 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.

A combination of support, advocacy, education, and empowerment that advances campus democratic engagement through campus collaboration, interdepartmental alliances, and community partnerships. Programs engage students, faculty, staff administrators, and the community in meaningful political conversations and instill electoral engagement as a priority throughout the campus community and beyond district lines.
  • 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.

Opportunities and experiences that emphasize awareness, service and civic responsibility as critical competencies of a successful NC A&T graduate and active citizen. 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.
  • MLK Day of Service
  • LEADS. Month of Service
  • Alternative Break

Involves organizing to bring about political or social change or to show support for, bring awareness to, or promote a particular cause or policy.
  • 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).

 

Collection of resources (e.g., money, food, clothing, etc.) to benefit charitable organizations or agencies:

 

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?).  

community engagement image of students

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.

 

For Service-Learning Opportunities & Consultations please contact:
The Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement
LeKeshia Franklin, Civic and Service-Learning Program Coordinator 
Student Center, Suite 348 | 336-285-2712 | ldfranklin@ncat.edu