Welcome to CoLab, where Community and Campus Knowledge unite for the Public Good. Our mission is to foster relationships between neighboring universities and communities, collaboratively addressing local complexities through research, professional development, resource mobilization, and joint action. CoLab explores the pivotal question: “How might higher education institutions have more meaningful, long-term engagements to better serve their local communities?” Our vision is a Monterey County in which communities and neighboring universities co-create knowledge, promoting equity, advancing social justice, and solving local challenges. Rooted in core values such as Collaboration, Critical Action, Balancing Humility & Expertise, and a Commitment to Long-Term Relationships & Change, CoLab is dedicated to building trust, transparency, and mutually beneficial connections between community partners and universities. Join us in creating positive, lasting impacts through the fusion of academic excellence and community engagement.

If you want to learn more about CoLab, check out The CoLab Story section.

If you are a COMMUNITY PARTNER and have an idea for a project that we can work together on, check out the Partnership Opportunities section!

If you are a STUDENT looking for opportunities to get involved with the community, check out the Partnership Opportunities for Students section.