The Carsey Summer Engagement Lab is a hands-on learning experience designed for people who want to bring communities together and strengthen civic life.
Offered as Public Engagement in Communities (PPOL 898), this course combines in-person fieldwork with online learning to explore how effective engagement happens in real settings. Students learn how to listen, collaborate, and work across differences to support stronger, more inclusive communities.
This is an applied experience focused on doing the work of public engagement in real time.
How It Works
The Engagement Lab is a 5-week course that blends in-person immersion with flexible online learning.
Students will:
- Develop a fundamental understanding of the theory and practice of public engagement in communities.
- Learn to collaborate with and empower stakeholders and community groups to develop solutions across differing perspectives.
- Practice ways to bring people into conversations that matter.
- Learn how to build trust and fairness in decision-making.
