The Center for Community Engagement & Academic Outreach serves as Arkansas Tech University’s hub for collaborations with community, nonprofits, and industry partners.
We create mutually beneficial collaborations that:
We are committed to providing students with innovative learning experiences that take learning beyond the classroom by engaging with the community and solving real-world problems. IPBL courses help students develop the skills and experiences needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
An IPBL course allows your organization to engage talented students in addressing real-world challenges, often with less administrative and supervisory responsibility than a traditional internship.
If you are interested in setting up an IPBL course, let us know. CCEAO is happy to coordinate the process for you.
CCEAO works closely with Arkansas Tech University's Norman Career Services to promote and support student internship opportunities. If you are looking to connect with students and establish internship opportunities, we are here to help.
The Faculty Externship Program provides ATU faculty with opportunities to engage with industry and community partners through short-term, immersive experiences. This initiative supports faculty development while strengthening connections across Arkansas's research, business, and community sectors.
If you are interested in hosting a faculty member for an externship, let us know.
Resources
Great ideas often emerge when diverse perspectives come together. CCEAO connects faculty, students, industry leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to explore challenges, test solutions, and generate new knowledge.
If you have an idea for a research collaboration, applied project, or innovation initiative, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is happy to help identify potential collaborators, connect you with faculty expertise, and facilitate partnerships that advance shared goals and create meaningful impact.
CCEAO partners with businesses, industries, nonprofit organizations, and community agencies to address workforce needs and strengthen talent pipelines. We connect employers with faculty expertise, student talent, training opportunities, and collaborative initiatives that support workforce and economic development across Arkansas.
Information about the Speaker Exchange program will be available here.
CCEAO supports partnerships that address community needs, solve local challenges, and create meaningful opportunities for student and faculty engagement. We welcome collaborations with nonprofits, schools, local governments, and community organizations across Arkansas.
Through Client-Based Senior Design Projects, community and industry partners can bring real-world challenges to student teams ready to apply their technical knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Partners serve as clients by helping define a project, providing feedback throughout the process, and seeing how students develop potential solutions. This is an excellent opportunity to support student learning, strengthen connections with Arkansas Tech University, and explore innovative ideas for your organization.
Submit a Challenge: Complete our collaboration form to begin the conversation. We want to hear your ideas for engaging with our students and faculty.
Link to Submit a Challenge Form
Do I need to find my own community or industry partner?
No. CCEAO can help identify and connect you with community or industry partners that
align with your course objectives and disciplinary expertise. If you already have
a partner in mind, let us know.
How much involvement is expected from the community or industry partner?
Partner involvement varies by project, but successful IPBL courses include meaningful
engagement between students and the partner. CCEAO can help establish expectations
and facilitate communication throughout the semester.
Can an IPBL project be incorporated into an existing course?
Yes. Many faculty integrate an IPBL project into an existing course rather than creating
a new course. Projects can be scaled to fit your learning outcomes, course structure,
and available time.
What support does CCEAO provide?
CCEAO provides project ideas, partner connections, planning support, implementation
resources, and guidance throughout the semester to help faculty create successful
IPBL experiences.
Faculty teaching an IPBL course for the first time are also eligible to receive:
Information about research collaboration opportunities and available resources will be available here.
Information about the Speaker Exchange program will be available here.
Norman Career Services is a valuable partner to CCEAO, providing support and resources for both students and faculty.
Visit the Faculty & Staff Resources page to access career development tools, classroom resources, internship information, and additional services available to faculty.
Student testimonials will be available here.
Interested in taking an IPBL course? Learn how to find available IPBL courses or propose a new project-based learning opportunity.
Contact your advisor or reach out to us for more information!
What is an IPBL course?
An Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning (IPBL) course gives students the opportunity
to work on real-world projects for community or industry partners while earning academic
credit. Students apply classroom knowledge to address authentic challenges while developing
professional skills and collaborating as part of a team.
Do I need experience in the project topic?
No. IPBL courses are designed as learning experiences. Faculty provide guidance throughout
the project, and students contribute their unique skills, perspectives, and disciplinary
knowledge.
How is an IPBL course different from an internship?
While internships typically involve an individual student working within an organization,
IPBL courses engage teams of students in faculty-guided projects for community or
industry partners as part of a course.
What are the benefits of participating in an IPBL course?
Students gain hands-on experience, build professional skills, expand their networks,
strengthen their résumés, and make meaningful contributions to real organizations
and communities.
CCEAO works closely with Arkansas Tech University's Norman Career Services to promote and support student internship opportunities.
If you're looking for an internship but aren't sure where to begin, we can connect you with Norman Career Services to help you explore opportunities and prepare for your career.
Interested in working with an industry or community partner on a research project? CCEAO can help connect you with potential partners, identify opportunities, and support the development of meaningful research collaborations.
CCEAO partners with the ATU Innovation Hub and other organizations to provide students with the resources, mentorship, and tools needed to transform ideas into reality.
Need advice from an expert?
Through our partnership with the Innovation Hub, students and entrepreneurs can schedule free, one-on-one consultations with volunteer professionals in areas including:
Browse available experts and reserve a time that fits your schedule.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) helps students, entrepreneurs, and small business owners turn ideas into action.
ASBTDC provides confidential, no-cost business consulting, training, and resources to assist with:
Whether you're exploring a business idea, launching a new venture, or looking for guidance on your next steps, ASBTDC is here to help.
Norman Career Services is a valuable partner to CCEAO, providing career resources and support to Arkansas Tech students and faculty.
Don't wait to begin building your career pathway. Start preparing for your future today by exploring the services and opportunities available through Norman Career Services.