COMMUNITY-ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS

“Universities are valuable thought partners for community organizations. Community organizations often have limited resources to do much needed work. With limited time, money and staff it is often difficult to think beyond the day-to-day issues facing community organizations.  Working with universities helps organizations to evaluate their work and find out which components are the most impactful. Partnering on research projects helps community organizations to take measured risks and think outside of the box. University partnerships allow for a valuable exchange of information that has both intellectual and practical value for instructors, community leaders, students and participants in community initiatives.  Working with universities provides community organizations with access to subject matter experts and evaluative tools and methodologies. The university benefits by gaining access to community members through trusted partner organizations and having the ability to learn how to adapt to meet people’s needs in order for interventions to be successful.”

Erica Thrash-Sall

Community Partner