Effective community-engaged learning thrives on relationships built on core values, such as empathy, trust, reciprocity, and shared purpose. This roundtable explores strategies for creating engagement that lasts by guiding attendees through the steps of establishing strong community partnerships, centering reciprocal benefits, and sustaining collaborations beyond the classroom. Drawing on examples from a course-based model, the roundtable provides a forum for participants to share strategies for developing mutually beneficial goals, planning and communication, and ongoing reflection foster meaningful connections between students, faculty, and community partners.