Higher Education Engagement in Knight Communities
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has provided funding for Campus Compact to undertake a scan of campus - community partnerships in the 23 Knight communities.
- Purpose
- Campus-Community Partnerships Defined
- Major Project Activities, Goals and Outcomes
- Knight Community Priorities
- Indicators of Exemplary Campus-Community Partnerships
- Additional Information
Purpose
Campus Compact is conducting this research for the Knight Foundation with the aim of strengthening campus-community partnerships that serve to advance community priorities while deepening the civic knowledge, skills, and values of students.
Campus-Community Partnerships Defined
Exemplary campus-community partnerships are characterized by a process based on communication, collaboration, reciprocity, assessment, structure, and sustainability whereby the college/university and its community partner(s) derive mutual benefits and exchange knowledge, resources, and expertise in meeting community-identified needs
Major Project Activities, Goals & Outcomes
Using surveys, phone interviews, site visits, and cross-community meetings, Campus Compact will:
- Scan existing community-higher education partnerships in the 23 Knight communities
- Identify exemplary models, programs that need assistance, and campuses ready to engage in new community partnerships
- Document reciprocal contributions that campus and community partners make in addressing community priorities
- Identify best practices for campuses seeking to partner with their local communities
Knight Community Priorities
- Education
- Civic engagement/positive human relationships
- Economic development
- Well-being of children and families
- Vitality of cultural life
- Housing & community development
Indicators of Exemplary Campus-Community Partnerships
Exemplary campus-community partnership are defined by the presence of the following indicators:
- Resource & Budget Allocations are made available for community partners to create richer learning environments for students and for community-building efforts in local neighborhoods;
- Community Voice that deepens the role of community partners in contributing to community-based education and shaping outcomes that benefit the community;
- Enabling Mechanisms in the form of visible and easily accessible structures (i.e., centers) on campus to assist faculty with community-based teaching and to broker community partnerships; and
- Teaching and Learning practices and policies that incorporate a community-based, public problem-solving approach to education.
Additional Information
Additional information about the Knight Foundation is available online at www.knightfdn.org.
Being a part of Campus Compact has let us touch the heart and soul of building better communities while improving teaching and learning for faculty and students. James A. Drake, President, Brevard Community College