Community engagement gives you hands-on experience working with community and industry partners while equipping you with professional skills you’ll need in the workplace. Learn how to engage responsibly with partners and how to sustainably approach complex challenges through your courses, co-curricular activities, and research opportunities.
Why participate in community engagement?
Participating in community engagement offers opportunities to enhance both your academic and professional development. Get hands-on experience by working with community and industry partners on projects that will create an impact.
- Develop your professional skills by working with partners outside of the university.
- Apply your learning to a real-world challenge and get feedback from experts on your approach.
- Discover new perspectives and approaches to challenges by working with peers from across the university in different programs.
- Build your network outside of Queen’s.
Developing your professional skills
In addition to working towards your degree, you grow your professional skills throughout your academic journey. You possess many skills and strengths – but can you name them, talk about them with clarity and confidence, and give examples using your experiences?
Queen’s community engagement activities use the 44 to support you in identifying your strengths and targeting skill areas for growth. The cards, which were developed by Queen’s Career Services, are organized into 11 categories that workplaces and employers are looking for.
Community engagement courses, co-curricular activities, and research opportunities will equip you with the professional skills you’ll need to stand out in the workplace or while pursuing future academic studies. Start building your skills today by getting engaged.
Ways to get involved
Many courses at Queen’s include community engagement experiences that allow for guided collaboration, service learning, and in-depth projects completed with community partners. Courses such as ECON 241 (Economic Aspects of Selected Social Issues) and HLTH 315 (Theory and Practice of Health Behaviour Change) are designed for students to gain and implement interdisciplinary professional skills and practice real-world applications. Guided by the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, students will learn and collaborate with peers to address real-world problems through sustainable and ethical design.
Get involved on campus or in the community through volunteering, or participating in student organizations, clubs, or societies. EDII training is offered through the Human Right and Equity Office and can help you learn more about navigating positive working relationships and promote equitable environments for learning. Visit the developed by the Alma Mater Society to see what student clubs are available here at Queen’s!
Research centered around community engagement addresses societal and global goals through partnerships with researchers, students, and community partners. Community engagement projects emphasize local, regional, and/or global community involvement throughout the research process. Research and capstone projects are offered within many courses and certificates depending on faculty. ENIN 400 (Design Sprint) is a capstone course offered through the Queen’s Certificate in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Creativity (QEIC) designed for students to address real-world problems through products, business models, and services. Gain valuable community engagement research experience through volunteering in labs, course-based research projects, and Queen's Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP).
Questions?
Learn more about community engagement opportunities by contacting your academic advisor.
In the media
Oct 09, 2025
Annual United Way campaign kicks off
Queen’s committee sets a $475,000 fundraising goal to support the KFL&A community.
Oct 08, 2025
Celebrating a community of Queen’s scholars
A recent reception in Grant Hall highlighted recipients of the university’s major scholarships and awards that are making a Queen’s education more accessible.
Oct 08, 2025
Queen’s community invited to Thrive
From Nov. 3 to 7, Queen’s community members can participate in special programming, events, and activities that focus on connection and inclusivity.