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�ճ���� and the�� announced today that ���������� Boulder has received the��, an honor shared by only 277 institutions nationwide.

"As Colorado's flagship public university, this recognition affirms ���������� Boulder’s deep commitment to working hand-in-hand with our communities across the state to create meaningful impact," said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. "It reflects years of intentional collaboration to integrate community engagement into our mission, enriching scholarship, preparing engaged citizens and addressing critical societal challenges.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to��the application committee, co-chaired by Katie Kleinhesselink and Alicia Adelman, for their dedication and hard work in earning this prestigious recognition. I’d also like to thank David Meens, director of public and community-engaged scholarship in the office of Outreach and Community Engagement, and his team for their longstanding leadership in this area,” Schwartz said.

Why this matters

Community engagement connects the knowledge and resources of higher education with public and private partners. Rooted in principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit, such partnerships advance research and creative work, enrich learning, foster civic responsibility, tackle societal challenges and serve the public good.

Highlights from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching acceptance notice:

• This accomplishment is especially noteworthy amid significant federal policy and funding shifts shaping the future of higher education.
• Applications in this cycle demonstrated how campuses nationwide are deepening partnerships, leveraging community assets and addressing urgent societal challenges, work ���������� Boulder has advanced with clarity and distinction.
• ���������� Boulder’s application documented excellent alignment among campus mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement.��

"Serving as the new host for the��Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability and now earning this classification for community engagement positions ���������� Boulder at the forefront of advancing higher education’s role in serving the public good," said Schwartz. "We are proud to lead efforts that strengthen democratic values, foster civic responsibility and create solutions for the most pressing issues of our time."

���������� the classification

• The classification is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution.
• The classification has been the leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in United States higher education for the past 21 years with classification cycles in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2020, 2024 and now 2026.
• This classification remains valid until 2032, at which time ���������� Boulder must apply for reclassification to maintain its status.