Community-based learning (CBL) has been shown to substantially enhance student academic learning, life skill development and a sense of responsibility and supports the mission of Santa Clara University’s School of Engineering to prepare our students for professional excellence, responsible citizenship, and service to society.
Involvement in community-based learning has been shown to create meaningful experiences that attract more women and other underrepresented populations to the field of engineering. Community-based learning provides students the experience to build their soft skills, including teamwork, communication, professionalism, and global awareness.
The SCALED program supports and promotes community-based learning within the School of Engineering at Santa Clara University.
“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn."
This famous quote by Ben Franklin was a driving force in the development of IDEAS.
In our Community-based projects course (Engr110) students work with a community partner on a real-world project and develop skills in engineering design. In the STEM Outreach course (Engr111) students work with community partners in afterschool programs to teach youth in underrepresented groups about engineering through hands-on projects.
Click for more information about the development of SCALED, formerly known as IDEAS.