Why Researchers Choose Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education stands as a pivotal resource for scholars dedicated to advancing Extension and Outreach initiatives within higher education. Established to foster dialogue on community-engaged scholarship, this journal provides a platform for rigorous, peer-reviewed research that bridges academia and societal needs. Researchers are drawn to its commitment to open-access dissemination, ensuring wide accessibility without financial barriers for readers or authors. The journal's focus on interdisciplinary approaches allows contributions from fields like education, social sciences, and public service, emphasizing practical applications of community partnerships.
With a history rooted in promoting service-learning and civic engagement, the Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education has evolved into a key outlet for exploring how universities can contribute to community development. Its editorial standards uphold high-quality, evidence-based studies that inform policy and practice. For those considering where to publish impactful work, this journal offers visibility among global audiences interested in higher education's role in societal change. The submission process is streamlined, encouraging manuscripts that demonstrate innovative methodologies in community engagement.
Scholars value the journal for its role in career advancement, as publications here enhance profiles in tenure and promotion evaluations, particularly in institutions prioritizing public scholarship. Whether examining case studies of outreach programs or theoretical frameworks for engagement, contributors find a receptive audience. To explore related opportunities, consider browsing higher education job listings that align with community-focused roles. This journal not only amplifies research but also connects academics to broader networks in Extension and Outreach.
Overview & History
The Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education was launched in 2009 to address the growing need for scholarly discourse on university-community partnerships. Published quarterly, it has grown into a respected voice in the field, with volumes covering evolving trends in service-learning and civic involvement. Its inception responded to calls from higher education leaders for dedicated spaces to share best practices in outreach. Over the years, it has featured contributions from diverse institutions, highlighting global yet U.S.-centric perspectives on engagement.
Key milestones include the shift to fully open-access in its early years, broadening its reach. The journal's editorial team has consistently prioritized inclusivity, inviting voices from underrepresented regions within the United States. Today, it remains a cornerstone for researchers tracking the impact of Extension and Outreach on educational outcomes.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal encompasses a wide array of topics centered on community engagement in higher education. It welcomes empirical studies, theoretical analyses, and reflective essays on partnerships between universities and local communities. Core areas include service-learning pedagogies, community-based research, and institutional strategies for outreach.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Extension and Outreach | Focuses on university programs extending knowledge to communities for social and economic development. |
| Higher Education | Examines administrative and curricular approaches to integrating community engagement. |
| Service-Learning | Explores experiential learning models that combine academic study with community service. |
| Social Sciences | Addresses interdisciplinary applications in sociology, education, and public policy related to engagement. |
| Public Service | Covers nonprofit and governmental collaborations with academic institutions. |
Key Journal Metrics
Metrics for the Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education reflect its niche influence in Extension and Outreach. While not listed in major commercial indices like Clarivate JCR, it maintains steady citation rates through open-access visibility.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Impact Factor | Not publicly disclosed |
| CiteScore | Not publicly disclosed |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 40% (estimated from publisher data) |
| Average Review Time | 3-6 months |
| Articles per Year | 20-30 |
Indexing and Abstracting
The journal is indexed in DOAJ for open-access recognition and ERIC for education-focused content. It appears in Google Scholar and is archived in Portico for long-term preservation. These services ensure discoverability for researchers seeking Extension and Outreach literature. No coverage in Scopus or Web of Science at present.
Publication Model and Fees
As an open-access journal, the Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education operates without article processing charges (APC), making it author-friendly. It uses a diamond open-access model, funded through institutional support from the publisher. This eliminates barriers for submissions, aligning with its mission of equitable knowledge sharing in community engagement.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Authors submit via the online portal at the journal's official site. Manuscripts should follow APA style, with lengths between 5,000-8,000 words. Initial screening checks for alignment with scope, followed by double-blind peer review. Guidelines emphasize originality and relevance to higher education outreach. For detailed steps, visit the official journal homepage.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises experts from U.S. universities, led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Andrew Furco from the University of California, Berkeley. Members include specialists in service-learning from institutions like Indiana University and the University of Michigan. Their diverse backgrounds ensure balanced oversight of Extension and Outreach submissions.
Why Publish in Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education?
Publishing here offers targeted exposure to peers in community-engaged scholarship. The journal's open-access nature boosts citations, aiding career progression. It supports interdisciplinary work, ideal for researchers in higher education seeking to influence practice. Links to tenure-track positions often value such publications for demonstrating public impact.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Focus | APC | Impact Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education | Extension and Outreach in U.S. higher ed | None | Not disclosed |
| Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning | Service-learning case studies | None | Not disclosed |
| Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement | Broad outreach metrics | None | Not disclosed |
| Engaged Scholar | Community-based research | Low or none | Not disclosed |
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your manuscript with the journal's emphasis on practical implications for Extension and Outreach. Use clear, accessible language and include diverse stakeholder perspectives. Engage with recent issues for context. For career advice, check Rate My Professor for insights on engagement-focused roles. Proofread rigorously and anticipate reviewer questions on methodology. Networking via academic calendar events can provide submission timing tips.