The University of Baltimore has received a 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, placing UBalt among the nation’s institutions that are "deepening partnerships, leveraging community assets, and addressing urgent societal challenges," according to the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The designation, which the University applied for, was announced on Jan. 12. UBalt is one of 277 institutions from across the country to earn the designation.
Community engagement, as defined by Carnegie, "describes collaboration between institutions
of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national,
global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context
of partnership and reciprocity.
"The purpose of community engagement is the alignment of university knowledge and
resources with needs of the public and private sectors to effectively collaborate
on mutually beneficial initiatives; enhance experiential learning and impactful research;
strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues;
and contribute to the public good."
University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke praised the designation, calling it the "most affirming and highest level of recognition
we can receive for the work we do at the University of and for Baltimore."
"This is significant for every member of our community, from our newest students all
the way through our long-time alumni," he said. "Having Carnegie and the American
Council on Education acknowledge us means that we have lived up to our mission in
ways that truly can change lives. We understand that because we deliver on that promise
every day. But to be on that roster―it's a great accolade that we’ll be sharing for
years to come."
The University applied for the Carnegie designation, citing the institution's role
as an anchor institution in central Baltimore and its partnership with the Baltimore
City Police Academy, Baltimore City College High School, its Second Chance College
Program, and several other ongoing initiatives. The University is well known for its
work in the community, through its law clinics, its support for local non-profits,
government, educational organizations, and so on.
Carnegie added that UBalt's application for the designation "documented excellent alignment among campus mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement. It responded to the classification framework with both descriptions and examples of exemplary institutionalized practices of community engagement."
The American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement
of Teaching will maintain UBalt's Community Engagement classification until 2032, at which time UBalt must reapply for the status.