Community Engagement Center (CEC)

Check Out Pitzer's National Distinctions for Community Engagement

Debating for Democracy
Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

Since its founding in 1963, Pitzer College has been committed to teaching students to be responsible citizens of communities both local and global by applying the study of liberal arts to concrete actions that benefit others. With the generous support of two major contributors, the W.M. Keck and James Irvine Foundations, Pitzer established the Community Engagement Center in 1999 to further this commitment through a variety of programs integrating work in the field with work in the classroom.

CEC works in the community creating partnerships, not to dispense "expert" solutions to pre-defined needs, but to identify and engage resources — both human and material — within the community.

Under the leadership and guidance of the Steering Committee, the Center supports innovative community-based projects by offering research awards and fellowships. In turn, the Center's community partners present faculty and students with extraordinary opportunities to engage in applied problem-solving activities.

Community Based Education connects students and faculty with local organizations to create community-based research, service learning and experiential education opportunities that enhance the social, environmental, cultural and economic health of our communities. CEC serves as a liaison between the academic institution and community partners, provides internship opportunities, and assistance with funding and programming, as well as providing logistical support to students, faculty, staff, and community partners.

If you would like to learn more about CEC please visit the following pages.

CEC Contact Info

Office Hours

Please note that we now have two offices: Bernard Core, 2nd Floor and Avery 105-107. CEC is open during normal business hours (8 am to 5 pm). We are available for walk-ins during our office hours which are listed below. We're also available by appointment.

Bernard Core (2nd Floor) Avery Hall 105-107

Tricia Morgan
Bernard Core (2nd Floor)
Tricia Morgan
Assistant Director

Jana Heyman
Urban Fellow: Prototypes

Susan Sobel
Urban Fellow: Camps Afflerbaugh Paige and Camp Glen Rockey

Tessa Hicks Peterson
Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement at Pitzer College

Melanie Epstein
Urban Fellow: Pomona Economic Opportunity Center and Fernando Pedraza Community Coalition

Mail correspondence to:

Community Engagement Center
Pitzer College
1050 N. Mills Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711

Telephone: 909.607.8183
Email: cec_staff@pitzer.edu