• About the Carlson Center
  • Edward Carlson
  • History
  • Mission, Vision, & Values
  • Staff
  • Contact
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• Service Learning
• GEN ST 350: Independent Fieldwork
• Students in Service
• MLK Jr Day of Service
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Carlson Center: Mission, Vision, & Values

Mission

The Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center develops service-learning, community-based participatory research, and service opportunities for UW students that sustain reciprocal partnerships, deepen learning, advance civic leadership, and contribute to our greater community.

Vision

The Carlson Center aims to transform higher education by fostering thoughtful, reflective engagement with community. In the next ten years, we envision a campus environment that supports faculty and graduate student instructors in developing and sustaining community-oriented pedagogical approaches (including service-learning and community-based participatory research). We envision partnerships with community organizations that have the capacity to co-educate students connecting academic work with community priorties. We envision every student will graduate from the University of Washington with at least one community experience.

Values

Asset-focused
We value working with community partners, faculty and students in a way that recognizes and builds upon their strengths and assets.

Innovation
We strive to discover new and creative ways to grow and refine programs supported by the Carlson Center and to further the development of individuals sustaining these programs.

Partnership
We bring communities and the university together to create experiential learning opportunities and reciprocal relationships that contribute to the common good.

Reflection
We believe that thinking intentionally about one's work in the world--including asking questions and making connections--leads to a clearer understanding and articulation of one's learning.