The Medical College of Wisconsin receives the prestigious 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a nationwide designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, recognizing MCW’s substantial and transformative engagement with communities across the state and beyond. “This esteemed recognition highlights the Medical College of Wisconsin’s multifaceted efforts to integrate community engagement, one of our four primary missions, across the institution,” said Staci Young, PhD, senior associate dean for community engagement and director of the Office of Community Engagement at MCW.

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) recently received the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The classification recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate substantial and transformative engagement with their communities.

MCW originally received the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification in 2015 and is currently one of only seven institutions nationwide to hold the designation as an academic medical institution. This recognition reflects MCW’s sustained commitment to community engagement efforts across its campuses and through a robust network of community partners.

“Community engagement is fundamental to the Medical College of Wisconsin’s leadership in the Milwaukee area and across the state,” said John R. Raymond Sr., MD, president and CEO of MCW. “It is a guiding principle in our strategic planning and influences how we educate health care professionals, conduct research, provide patient care, and collaborate with communities statewide to address pressing health challenges.”

Since its inception nearly twenty years ago, the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification has served as the leading framework for assessing and recognizing institutions that excel in fostering meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships with communities. The classification is awarded through a rigorous, voluntary application process.

“This esteemed recognition highlights the Medical College of Wisconsin’s multifaceted efforts to integrate community engagement, one of our four primary missions, across the institution,” said Staci Young, PhD, senior associate dean for community engagement and director of the Office of Community Engagement at MCW. “I’m proud of MCW’s continued commitment to addressing community needs, partnering with diverse organizations, and advancing health equity.”