New College Academic Programs
Welcome to Community Engaged Learning! A placement-based program that promotes and supports community-engaged learning, research and practice while contributing to the social service or community sector.
Overview
UPDATES AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION about Community Engaged Learning courses for Fall/Winter 2026-27:
- Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are now open, and will close June 30th.
- Please note that NEW497 is not being offered this year.
Write to nc.engagedlearning@utoronto.ca if you would like more information or have questions not addressed below.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About the Program
New College’s Community Engaged Learning (CEL) Program promotes and supports community–engaged learning, research and practice in New College courses. The Program offers two interdisciplinary placement-based, full-year credit courses for upper-level undergraduate students who are committed to working for social justice and are looking for meaningful, practical or research experience that makes a contribution to the social service or community sector. Both courses involve reflective learning and creative assignments, and offer opportunities to learn from the experiences of others in the class, to integrate your academic knowledge with experiences outside the classroom, to challenge yourself, and explore your values and future directions.
What’s involved?
Students in the program work for 5-7 hours per week for and with a nonprofit organization or social enterprise that is doing front-line service provision, community-based research, community development, social justice advocacy, arts-based community building or educational work. Students participate in a weekly seminar where you will share experiences and learn from peers, deepen understanding of the social purpose sector, develop professional skills, and reflect collectively and critically on the social justice issues and questions that arise from your experience.
Build Skills while you make a difference:
Skills you gain:
- Project management & collaboration
-
Research & data analysis
-
Professional communication
- Real-world experience
-
Building a professional network
Impact you make:
-
Support community programs and initiatives
-
Contribute to research and outreach
-
Help organizations expand their work
-
Apply your learning in meaningful ways
-
Make a positive contribution beyond campus
Who might be interested in this program?
Students entering their 3rd or 4th year, from any college, program, or discipline who are:
- keen to explore the social purpose implications and applications of academic knowledge outside the classroom, in community and social justice settings;
- wanting to understand different ways in which social problems are currently being addressed and to think – along with others – about how social change happens;
- excited to contribute meaningfully to the work of a nonprofit organization, social enterprise, or campus-based social-justice initiative by supporting program activities or undertaking research;
- wanting to explore what it means to be an active, engaged citizen in these times; and
- ready to engage in self-challenging, reflective learning, where you will be the director of your own learning process.
Program Details:
- If you are interested in working in a particular area – e.g. with youth, or community arts, community health and none of the current placements reflect this – please contact nc.engagedlearning@utoronto.ca as soon as possible. If there is sufficient time, we might be able to arrange placements in your area of interest.
- The following options are available for participation in the CEL program: (A) Students may apply to an in-person placement (positions posted on the CEL website) and participate in the program in the traditional manner or (B) Apply to a virtual placement or (C) Apply to the course without a placement. (D) Students may choose to do a community research project in collaboration with a community organization, and will be invited to speak on their project during the Spring Symposium.
- There is no direct enrolment in these courses. You must (A) apply to the positions you are interested in and, if successful, the hosting organization will offer you a placement. You will then be enrolled directly by the CEL administration or (B) contact the CEL coordinator at nc.engagedlearning@utoronto.ca to express interest in joining the program; include a resume.
- Applications will open June 12th and close June 30th.
- In order to offer students a robust experience in community engagement, we will be inviting guests from partner organizations to speak in class about their work and community involvement.
What students are saying:
“One of the best courses at UofT! CEL provides the opportunity to put theory into practice.”
“One of the best courses at UofT! CEL provides the opportunity to put theory into practice. You gain a deeper understanding of your own community through connecting with local organizations and getting hands-on experience in addressing challenges in the Toronto area. The environment is supportive, engaging, and you are constantly surrounded by so many passionate people! Coming from a strictly STEM background, CEL was a chance for me to learn new concepts, be exposed to activism, and create connections with people outside of my own discipline. I was able to develop my leadership, form new friendships, and now have a community-oriented perspective to bring with me to medical school!”
– Tina, CEL ’25-26 student
4th year, Immunology and Health & Disease → MD Student @ Western University
“CEL was the first class where I could openly engage with current events and see how policy influences every aspect of organizations.”
“CEL was the first class where I could openly engage with current events and see how policy influences every aspect of organizations. As a neuroscience major, my placement and seminar discussions showed me how healthcare and politics are deeply connected. That awareness alone makes the course valuable, but I especially recommend this class for anyone who wants to understand how to go about making meaningful change.”
– Samantha, CEL ’24-25 student
4th year, Neuroscience → MEng, Biomedical Engineering @ University of Toronto
“After my placement, I was offered a paid internship with the organization I worked with.”
“The CEL program was a rewarding experience that enhanced my undergraduate education at U of T. Having the opportunity to engage in a volunteer placement brought my learning beyond the classroom and into the community. Through this experience, I was able to see how the topics I had studied during my degree manifest in real-world situations, and to apply my academic knowledge in generative and practical ways. The CEL program also provided the opportunity to make valuable connections while growing my professional skillset. After graduating, I was offered a paid internship with the organization I had completed my placement with. I would highly recommend the CEL program to any student who is interested in enhancing their education through community-based learning.”
– Amelia, CEL ’24-25 student
“CEL was one of the most engaging and transformative experiences of my undergraduate degree.”
“The CEL program was one of the most engaging and transformative experiences of my undergraduate degree – not just because of the hands-on experience it provided, but because it gave me a deep understanding of social justice and encouraged me to reflect on what meaningful community engagement really looks like. My placement with the Ontario Health Coalition gave me invaluable insight into the realities of advocacy and community organizing. It challenged me to think about my values, my role in social change, and the kind of work I want to pursue moving forward. What truly made this experience special was the community of professors, learners and community leaders, who did not hesitate to share their experiences, inspiring us one class at a time. Learning alongside passionate young people who were contributing to their communities in unique ways was encouraging and grounding. This program challenged me to apply my academic skills in a profound and immersive way, connect with real community work, and deepen my understanding of social justice.”
– Rhea, CEL’24-25 student
4th year, Neuroscience & Public Health → Pathy Foundation Fellow
“CEL made me feel like I was creating real change in my community while building professional skills.”
“CEL was a really great experience not just for my professional, but personal development as well. There aren’t often a lot of directed and dedicated programs that connect students with activism, organizing, and social justice work, especially coming from a STEM background. Through CEL I was very privileged to have had the opportunity to feel like I was creating real change in my community and engaging with folks outside of my academic circle. It really showed me that there’s many different streams of work and that I can participate in the process of social change. I would recommend this course to anyone, regardless of your program, it’s truly inspiring and you get to learn from some of the most hardworking, social justice-oriented people in Toronto!”
Jasmine, CEL ’24-25 student
4th year, Urban Studies & Physiology → Associate, Adaptation and Resilience @ MaRS Discovery District
“This course made a large campus feel personal and helped me connect my education to real community work.”
“I took NEW495Y, in my final year at U of T, and it was easily one of the most memorable classes I’ve taken. After years of big, impersonal lectures, this course felt different right away. The small class size makes it easy to actually talk, share ideas, and get to know people from all kinds of academic backgrounds.
The placement was a major part of the experience. It helped me understand what kinds of work I enjoy, pushed me to build better time-management skills, and taught me how to communicate clearly with community partners. No matter where you’re placed, you’ll take something valuable away from it.
But what really sets the class apart is Kevin Edmonds. He listens, takes your interests seriously, and helps you find a placement that actually fits your goals. He creates an environment where students’ perspectives are genuinely valued. It’s rare to have a professor and a course that make such a large campus feel personal. Overall, I recommend this course not only for its unique learning style, but because the experience it offers is unlike anything else at the university.”
Maddie, CEL ’24-25 student