University-community engagement is increasingly emphasized at institutions throughout the United States, yet there remains concern and confusion about how to conceptualize community engagement to provide benefits for both the university and the public. This article summarizes the history of community engagement and describes dominant paradigms of…

Examines quantitative economic impacts of community colleges on their communities through a case study of Cypress College (California). Results indicate favorable economic impacts on local businesses, local individuals, and local governments. An economic impact model is described. (JDS)

Examines how collaborative, community research on adolescents can generate local data to guide community policies and programs on behalf of adolescents and contribute to our scientific knowledge base. Discusses the limited utility of the scientific knowledge base for nonresearchers interested in promoting youth development at the community level.…

Communities across our nation--whether geographic, ethnic, or issue-based in their composition--are struggling to be healthy, to grow, and thrive. The production of knowledge and the sharing of knowledge by both the community and the higher education institution is the key to helping our communities improve. Retaining and valuing community-engaged…

Designed for use by community college personnel, this handbook provides information necessary to conduct a study of the impact of a community college on the business volume and other economic aspects of the community. Section I explains models for assessing the following seven types of economic impact: (1) college-related local business volume;…

The West Virginia Community Partnership Model (WVCPM) fosters partnerships among academic faculty, students, extension faculty (and staff), and community organizations to produce significant community-based student learning; increased university involvement in community service across the state; and cultural change that improves collaboration…

The Needs Assessment Project will construct a computerized simulation model to evaluate the educational needs of all the community in order to keep educational changes compatible with community needs. This paper presents the approach to be taken in developing the Needs Assessment Model: a description of the study with a review of related…

Reviews the literature on the importance of community involvement in achieving desegregation and other broad social and educational goals; details risks that must be taken into account when planning meaningful involvement; and specifies techniques for fostering community involvement, with attention directed to the strengths and weaknesses of each.…