Scholars widely agree that community-engaged learning can significantly improve the learning experience for students while simultaneously having a positive impact on the community. This paper explores student perceptions in online pre-professional undergraduate courses in the legal studies and human resources management fields in which community-engaged learning projects were utilized. Students were paired with community members in instructor-focused activities linked to their academic curricula. Using reflective discussions, a survey, and focus groups, the instructors attempted to gather important data related to student perceptions of the community-engaged learning experience that builds upon prior research. While specific themes emerged in each course, the most significant findings common to both groups were the following: (1) students recognized the powerful impact of their profession, (2) students realized the increasing importance of soft skills to their success, and (3) students appreciated the growth in their own personal attitudes and professional skills. The student perceptions from these classes should lead to a deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of community-engaged online classrooms and give guidance for developing future projects.
