Community engagement describes collaboration beween institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.
 Community Resource Handbook. CommunityEngaged Research Initiative, Simon Fraser University.
        
                    
                by
            
        
        
            Mahoney, T., Grain, K., Fraser, P., Wong, J.
        
                    
        
                            
"We believe reciprocal and respectful relationships with community are
the foundation of good research. By inviting communities to co-create
knowledge, community-engaged research can build capacity for
imagination, and enhance the capacity of communities to advocate for
their own well-being." (p. 6)
                    
        
            Community Resource Handbook. CommunityEngaged Research Initiative, Simon Fraser University.
        
                    
                by
            
        
        
            Mahoney, T., Grain, K., Fraser, P., Wong, J.
        
                    
        
                            
"We believe reciprocal and respectful relationships with community are
the foundation of good research. By inviting communities to co-create
knowledge, community-engaged research can build capacity for
imagination, and enhance the capacity of communities to advocate for
their own well-being." (p. 6)
        
                            