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Webinar with David Kirp Discusses Importance of Strong Community Partnerships

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Webinar with David Kirp Discusses Importance of Strong Community Partnerships

On June 3, David L. Kirp, education policy expert and author of Kids First: Five Big Ideas for Transforming Children’s Lives and America’s Future, discussed his new book in a webinar with the Director of Coalition for Community Schools, Martin J. Blank.

In the webinar, Kirp mentions that policy makers should follow a youth-centered version of the Golden Rule: “Every child deserves what’s good enough for a child you love.”  He went on to state that kids ought to have access to healthcare, social services and enriching learning opportunities including quality afterschool and summer programs.  With a system of support in place for kids, Kirp believes communities and community schools can play a major role in helping youth to succeed. 

Kirp highlighted the great work of community schools—more specifically, the importance of creating a range of strong partnerships between schools, community-based organizations, local nonprofits and public agencies.  For example, he emphasized the positive impact of engaging an array of allies such as parents, volunteers, the local police department and public libraries.

Communities and schools can work together and provide a well-rounded educational experience for youth.  Kirp offered an example of collaboration between a school and Big Brothers and Big Sisters, a program of trained mentors that serve as youth advocates.  Through these relationships, youth gain social skills, create a positive sense of self and have access to caring, stable adults.  Kirp stated that by bringing mentors into the school, it would create a web of support for kids both in the community and in the school.  As a participant in Kirp’s webinar, I couldn’t agree more—especially in underserved, low-income neighborhoods where a variety of community-based assets go underutilized and supportive community partnerships are few and far between.  In our latest issue brief, we highlight various examples of nonprofits working in their neighborhoods to provide access to resources, such as afterschool, for English Language Learner students and their families.  Keeping the unique needs of youth in mind, communities must continue to work together and support student learning.
 
Kirp stated that the range of services and activities provided by community schools, afterschool and summer programs “isn’t just a feel good, nice guy activity.  It’s really an essential part of getting kids ready to make it in the world.”
 
What are some examples of innovative community partnerships that support youth after school in your community? Feel free to tell us more about it on our Facebook and Twitter pages! 

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