Community Education is a philosophy and set of principles that advocate for the creation of life-long learning opportunities for community members to become partners in addressing community needs. These community members include individuals, schools, businesses, public and private organizations. An example of Community Education is the community school, a facility that is open beyond the traditional school day for the purpose of providing academic enrichment, recreation, health, social service, and work preparation programs for people of all ages. Community Education encompasses a wide spectrum of disciplines, including before and after school, youth development, and adult education. All of these connected by the principles of the field and the belief that through education and learning, individuals and their communities can be transformed.
Community educators are adept at working with community members to identify community needs, the resources available to meet them, and understanding the fundamental need for diversity and inclusion. Facilitating cooperation and collaboration among those in control of the resources is another skill required of the community educator. Leadership training, strategic planning, communications, public relations, and program evaluation, are among other skills needed. A critical distinction of Community Education is the interconnections and collaborations that are fostered across the life-long learning spectrum, and the principles that guide this work.
Community educators are adept at working with community members to identify community needs, the resources available to meet them, and understanding the fundamental need for diversity and inclusion. Facilitating cooperation and collaboration among those in control of the resources is another skill required of the community educator. Leadership training, strategic planning, communications, public relations, and program evaluation, are among other skills needed. A critical distinction of Community Education is the interconnections and collaborations that are fostered across the life-long learning spectrum, and the principles that guide this work.