The Office of Community Engagement
Extraordinary doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
The Office of Community Engagement promotes community-involved initiatives at the College of Charleston. Aligned with the College’s core values and strategic plan, our work reflects a commitment to civic responsibility and social impact.
What We Do
Community engagement is an important part of the College of Charleston experience for faculty, staff and students. Our institution has a long history of collaborating with communities, locally and beyond. We believe that when we share knowledge and combine our strengths—academic, professional, artistic, cultural and more—we all benefit. This is at the heart of our core values. The question is not "How do we become an engaged university?" but rather "How do we tell our story?”
The Office of Community Engagement was established in 2025 to champion institution-wide community engagement and build capacity for understanding the extent of the College of Charleston’s community involvement and impact. Additionally, our work includes outreach; College–hosted youth and precollege programs; protection of minors for youth programs; and the 1967 Legacy Scholars program.
Our Work
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Community Issue: Food Insecurity
Food Insecurity is the focus for 2025-2026.
Each academic year, an issue facing our community is selected as the primary focus of the year. We plan a series of events and activities about the issues to reflect three core commitments to our campus community:
Raise Awareness – Illuminating critical issues that affect our communities
Build Empathy – Cultivating understanding through shared experiences and dialogue
Explore Solutions – Encouraging collaboration and innovation to address real-world challenges -
Community Involvement
For us, community involvement means our active engagement with individuals and groups external to campus in ways that add value to the greater community. The Office of Community Engagement leads a portfolio of initiatives. We also highlight, encourage, and document participation in community efforts led by other campus offices and programs.
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Youth & Precollege Programs/Protection of Minors
There's no need to wait until high school graduation to have a College of Charleston experience. Many academic departments and athletics coaches offer opportunities for youth during the school year and in the summer.
About Youth Programs -
1967 Legacy Program
A tribute to the year the College of Charleston integrated, the 1967 Legacy Program immerses students in the study of African American history, Gullah Geechee culture, and experiences and contributions of African Americans to the College of Charleston and beyond.
About the 1967 Legacy Program