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Community partnerships are the cornerstone of some of the most successful afterschool programs. For example, the average afterschool program funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant leverages resources through relationships with at least six local organizations. Higher education institutions are one of the most frequent partners.
Many experts recognize the natural motivation and mutual benefits for universities to partner with schools and programs serving school-age youth. As Dr. Pedro Noguera of the University of California, Berkeley states, "Public schools provide universities with at least some of their future students, and colleges and universities prepare and train the vast majority of future teachers. Both institutions are devoted, at least in part, to the pursuit of learning and intellectual development, and both play a major role in socializing and preparing American youth for future roles in society."1
Afterschool and Higher Education Institutions
Higher education institutions, from state universities to community colleges, bring valuable resources to afterschool programs. They can bolster students' aspirations for higher education and help prepare them for college. Higher education institutions partner with afterschool programs in a number of ways, such as:
Examples of Successful Partnerships
New examples of successful partnerships between afterschool programs and higher education institutions emerge every year. Partnerships are meeting local needs by offering much-needed career-development, mentoring, tutoring, evaluation assistance and adult education.
In Largo, Florida: Career Development
Students from the University of South Florida expose youth in Pinellas County Public Schools' 21st CCLC afterschool program to marine biology after school and during the summer. The university students are part of a group called Project Tampa Bay, an initiative to introduce minority children to the wonders, and career paths, of marine biology. The middle school students learn about ocean ecology through field trips to local keys, marshes and islands, as well as a three-day camp excursion.
"We have nearly 100 percent attendance. That says it all when you are talking about a program of choice," said Johnetta Haugabrook, a middle school science teacher and partner in Project Tampa Bay.
In Long Beach, California: Mentoring
Students from California State University at Long Beach teach afterschool students from Washington Intensive Learning Center about computer literacy and website design. The students are partnered together through Better Learning After School Today (BLAST), a group which places college students and adult volunteers in afterschool programs. Long Beach City College, the University of California system, the local YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Campfire Boys and Girls and Girl Scouts are just some of the partners in BLAST.
"Its like having your own private mentors," remarked Washington's principal.3
In Boston, Massachusetts: Tutoring
Harvard University students tutor youth from the Mission Main housing project in the Mission Hill After School Program four afternoons a week. College students are assigned one or two children to help a week to help with homework, take on field trips and participate in interactive projects designed to enhance academic learning. The program is directed by Harvard students, who also design the curriculum.4
In Montana: Evaluation
Researchers from Montana State University's Department of Health and Human Development and the Montana State University Extension Service surveyed 2,500 youth statewide that participate in 4-H clubs. The evaluation found that approximately 75% of the 4-H members are involved in up to four out-of-school activities and that 4-H members are more likely than other youth to succeed in school, have leadership roles in their community and to be considered role models by their peers.
"4-H has changed my life so I know I can go on to bigger and better goals in life," explained one Glacier County 9th grade participant.5
In Covington, Kentucky: Adult Education
Parents and adults can enroll in college and technical classes at Urban Learning Center campuses while their kids enjoy afterschool activities, thanks in part to a 21st CCLC grant and several higher education institutions. Northern Kentucky University, Thomas Moore College, Northern Kentucky Technical College, Covington Independent Schools, Forward Quest and Covington Community Center united in 1998 to create the Urban Learning Center as a way for local adults to enhance their work and educational aspirations.
"With all the new hotels coming in, maybe we could eventually offer some hospitality courses," said Paul Baker, a Newport Middle School employee who helped secure the 21st CCLC grant. "Another possibility would be a course in graphic arts for more vocational minded folks. The sky could be the limit in this."6
1Noguera, Pedro, "Toward the Development of School and University Partnerships Based Upon Mutual Benefit and Respect," In Motion Magazine, www.inmotionmagazine.com/pnsup1.html.
2 Collaborative After-School Project at the University of California, Irvine, "Rationale for K-16 Afterschool Learning Partnerships," June 2001.
3 Long Beach Unified School District, "Washington, CSULB Team Up After School," 8 August 2001, www.lbusd.k12.ca.us/pio/n010316a.htm.
4 Harvard University, "Mission Hill After School Program," 5 December 2001, www.hcs.harvard.edu/ mhasp/info.html.
5 Montana 4-H, "Montana 4-H Research Study," 3 May 2002, www.montana.edu/www4h/4hsurvey.pdf.
6"Urban Learning Center: An Alternative; Adults Find New Option for College," The Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 May 2001.
