History

Since the fall 2018, community engagement and leadership education programs within Undergraduate Academic Affairs (UAA) have explored and articulated shared values, collective student learning outcomes and strategic directions while re-envisioning our organizational structure. We are excited to formally announce the name of this unit as the Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center! 

We are excited to bring closer alignment of the Othello-UW Commons with the Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center as we work to further connect campus and community partners to facilitate their goals to advance equity in education, health and opportunities in Southeast Seattle communities. In addition, while the work of what was formerly known as the Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center remains strong, the naming shifts as the work of community-engaged courses (formerly referred to as service-learning), Undergraduate Community Based Internships (UCBI) and CELE fellowships situates itself under the CELE Center name. 

We are incredibly grateful to the Carlson family for playing an instrumental role in spearheading and institutionalizing community engagement as a key aspect of the University of Washington. Edward E. Carlson’s passion for student civic leadership development continues to be highlighted through CELE fellowships that provide undergraduates with the opportunity to deepen their commitment to community engagement and leadership.

We all look forward to sustaining and deepening our work with campus and community partners as we support students in developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to contribute to thriving communities.  

Learn more about the University of Washington's commitment to community engagement