By the early years of this new century it was evident that increasing numbers of colleges and universities had undertaken numerous innovative efforts to reinvigorate and prioritize students' civic and community engagement in their surrounding communities. However, a number of individuals involved with these movements had noticed that much of the…

This essay builds on and extends earlier research and writing that the authors have done, trying to understand how a commitment to local engagement, which is the term commonly used at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), becomes embedded in the core work of the institution. Their inquiries have been guided by social psychologist Kurt Lewin's…

While librarians deliver a vital public service within diverse communities, they are often invisible in the community development process initiated by civic planners, activists, and local government officials. This book challenges librarians everywhere to get involved early and often by demanding a place at the community planning and development…

Describes the community involvement and redevelopment efforts of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, including the implications for curriculum, the importance of evaluation, and the need to institutionalize such efforts. (EV)

Explores an effort by Colgate University (New York) to enhance economic development in two low-income hamlets in New York through community-visioning programs. Describes the process of community visioning and shows how Colgate has been instrumental in its promotion. Argues that universities are better situated than governments or nonprofits to…

Discusses two areas central to the development mission of the University of Massachusetts (Lowell): (1) restructuring activities for a transformative effect on the regional economy while maintaining academic standards, and (2) who should be involved in these decisions. Reviews projects undertaken by the university under a community-outreach…

Presents a case study of the Campus Affiliates Program, a collaborative venture designed to revitalize the most severely impoverished sectors of New Orleans (Louisiana). Focuses on processes that created the program; organizing principles; obstacles encountered; and impacts of the program on faculty, students, staff, and institutions. (DSK)

Describes an externally funded program that enabled twelve urban elementary schools to expand community outreach by hiring community residents and a program coordinator who worked with service agencies and teachers to develop a wide variety of activities catering to students and neighborhood members. One school's program is profiled. (Author/MSE)

Describes a college organization created to establish a partnership between Trinity College (Connecticut) faculty and students and neighborhood organizing groups. Reviews how faculty and student research skills are used to gather information for prospective projects, organization and actions taken as a result, and basic assumptions underlying the…

Today, more Americans volunteer through religious organizations than through any other type of organization and 92 percent of faith-based charities report the ability to take on additional volunteers. The Corporation for National and Community Service is dedicated to ensuring that faith-based and community organizations have the capacity, tools,…

Traditionally, university outreach and public service have been organized around two distinct, fragmented approaches: supporting research and instruction linked directly to economic and community development (extension education) and meeting continuing education needs. Two programs at the University of California, San Diego, use a regionally…

The New York State Office of Rural Affairs has developed an innovative network of 17 Rural Services Institutes (RSIs) located at colleges and universities throughout the state in order to help meet the needs of rural communities. RSIs operate with minimal cost to the state and involve few bureaucratic constraints. Each RSI shares expertise and…

Describes efforts of the National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE), including the National Community Development Program. NSEE advocates use of all forms of experiential learning in the education system and community, including service learning. It enhances professional growth of members, disseminates information on principles of good…

This collection of briefs comprises a guide to minority-activity planning designed by the Steering Committee for Minority Communications of the Westinghouse Foundation. They are intended to further the following Westinghouse goals: (1) to encourage youth to pursue careers in technology; (2) to develop strong links with the minority community; (3)…

A study was done of the public service programs of the colleges and universities of the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) region and how they contribute to the regional development of northern New York State. The study asked the 21 institutions of the ANCA area to respond to a survey seeking information on various aspects of each…