Holy Cross has been recognized with the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (CE), an elective designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
This marks the second time Holy Cross has received the CE Classification since first earning the designation in 2008, which recognizes institutions of higher education for their demonstrated commitment to community engagement through deep partnerships, the effective use of community assets, and the pursuit of solutions to pressing societal challenges. The 2026 designation will be retained through 2032.
“This recognition affirms what has long been central to our Jesuit, Catholic mission, that education is most powerful when it is rooted in relationship, solidarity, and service to the common good,” said Holy Cross President Vincent D. Rougeau. “Guided by the ASPIRE strategic plan and our commitment to being ‘In and of Worcester,’ our students, faculty, and staff work alongside community partners every day to address real-world challenges, and this classification honors those shared efforts.”
An institutional priority, community engagement at Holy Cross spans academic coursework, research, co-curricular programs, and sustained partnerships with organizations in Worcester and beyond, including Worcester Public Schools, the Worcester Art Museum, the Museum of Worcester, El Buen Samaritano, the Mustard Seed, St. Mary Health Care Center, the Family Health Care Center of Worcester, Boys and Girls Club of Worcester, and more.
This work is facilitated through the Donelan Office for Community-Based Learning, Teaching, and Engaged Scholarship, Student Programs for Urban Development, and the Office of Government and Community Relations, among others. Together, these campus partners support community-based learning, civic engagement initiatives, and long-term collaborations with nonprofit, educational, health, and cultural organizations, integrating community engagement into teaching, learning, and scholarship across disciplines.
Holy Cross’ commitment to being a partner “for and with others” also extends to its economic contributions to the region. More information, including findings from “The Economic and Social Impact of Holy Cross” independent report, is available at https://info.holycross.edu/people-for-and-with-others.
“Higher education is a vital economic engine for us all. Our colleges and universities not only fuel science and innovation, they build prosperity in rural, urban and suburban communities nationwide. said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. “We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors — fostering civic engagement, building usable knowledge, and catalyzing real world learning experiences for students.”
First introduced in 2006, the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification has become the leading national framework for recognizing higher education institutions’ commitment to community-engaged teaching, research, and service. The designation is awarded following a rigorous application and review process that examines institutional practices, infrastructure, and outcomes related to community engagement. As part of Holy Cross’ application, the self-assessment process included representatives from community partner organizations, reflecting the collaborative nature of the College’s engagement efforts.
“The institutions receiving the 2026 Community Engagement Classification exemplify American higher education’s commitment to the greater good,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “The beneficiaries of this unflagging dedication to public purpose missions are their students, their teaching and research enterprises, and their wider communities.”
A full list of institutions currently holding the CE Classification can be found here.
For more information about community engagement at the College of the Holy Cross, visit https://www.holycross.edu/community/engagement.
