CU Boulder Celebrates Community Outreach Efforts

University highlights impact of public engagement programs across Colorado

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The University of Colorado Boulder recently held its first Community Engagement Week, showcasing the various ways it has been connecting with communities across the state. From the Shakespeare and Violence Prevention program reaching 140,000 students to the Fiske Planetarium engaging over 75,000 people annually, CU Boulder has invested millions in outreach efforts. The university also earned the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, recognizing its commitment to genuine partnerships and building trust with communities.

Why it matters

CU Boulder's community engagement efforts are seen as a 'two-way street,' where the university's work is influenced by the needs and wisdom of Colorado communities, while also providing valuable resources and opportunities. This helps rebuild trust between the university and the public, especially in rural areas that have historically been skeptical of large institutions.

The details

Over the past few years, CU Boulder has invested $17.5 million in community engagement-focused units and secured over $4.5 million in external support for outreach programs. These initiatives range from the Shakespeare and Violence Prevention program to the Fiske Planetarium's educational programming. The university's Office for Public and Community‑Engaged Scholarship supports projects that address issues in Colorado, from dance residencies in rural schools to air and water quality testing in at-risk cities.

  • CU Boulder has been engaging with Colorado communities since its founding in 1876.
  • In the 1900s, CU Extension helped start the Colorado Municipal League, chambers of commerce, health clinics, and the state's community college system.
  • In 1970, CU Extension was renamed CU Continuing Education, and state funding for CU Boulder outreach ended in 1973.
  • In the 2000s, campus leaders began making plans to renew the university's public service work.
  • On January 12, 2026, CU Boulder earned the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement.

The players

Ann Schmiesing

Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives at the University of Colorado Boulder.

David Meens

Executive director of the Office for Public and Community‑Engaged Scholarship at the University of Colorado Boulder.

The Literacy Practicum

An outreach program sponsored by CU Boulder's Linguistics Department that collaborates with Boulder partners to support language and literacy development.

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What they’re saying

“These aren't just statistics. They represent real impact in real communities — the kind of excellence that defines who we are.”

— Ann Schmiesing, Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives (coloradohometownweekly.com)

“Every Coloradan should have a sense of ownership and of interest in what's going on at CU Boulder, and this type of work — getting off of campus and getting out of the classroom and hearing from folks about what they're interested in — that's another benefit of it.”

— David Meens, Executive director of the Office for Public and Community‑Engaged Scholarship (coloradohometownweekly.com)

“I think that university community engagement is a two-way street, and it often influences the kinds of knowledge … that our world-class experts have at CU Boulder. Colorado and Colorado communities end up shaping (CU Boulder's) world-class work through engagement with our faculty in these places where they meet.”

— David Meens, Executive director of the Office for Public and Community‑Engaged Scholarship (coloradohometownweekly.com)

What’s next

CU Boulder is working on creating an Executive Advisory Council for Outreach and Engagement to bring public engagement efforts together on campus. The university also plans to launch new recognition programs and awards, invest in professional development, and build an inventory of all engagement activities.

The takeaway

CU Boulder's community engagement efforts demonstrate the value of a 'two-way street' between a university and its surrounding communities. By addressing local needs and incorporating community wisdom, the university is able to enhance its own world-class research and programming while rebuilding trust and a sense of ownership among Coloradans.