Written by Joline Collins
Target Audience: State and University Leaders
Promising Practice to Replicate: Convene statewide university system to support Community Schools and implement University Assisted Community Schools.
On June 24, 2024, Binghamton University Community Schools, in collaboration with the State University of New York (SUNY) and SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr., hosted the first SUNY Convening on Community Schools: The Promise of SUNY-led University-Assisted Community Schools to Transform Education in New York State. The event saw participation from over 25 universities and colleges from the SUNY system, bringing together college presidents, deans, faculty, and other government and community partners. Together, participants learned, networked, and strategized on how to create the nation’s first public university system of University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS).
While there are many ways to convene universities, Binghamton’s meeting structure offers an example of community-building and ideation that can illuminate experiences and create a shared action toward the implementation of University-Assisted Community Schools. Key components of the convening included:
- Opening Remarks: Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger, SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr., and other state leaders “make the case” on why they support Community Schools and encourage collaboration.
- Grounding & Context: Highlight relevant data on national issues impacting youth and college students; establish a common language by sharing what University Assisted Community Schools are and a brief synopsis of their impact. Click here for an example.
- The What – UACS Origin Story: Define UACS and how they connect to the founding missions of American public education and colleges and universities.
- The Why – Panel on Aligned Interest & Responsibility: National and state education leaders provide an overview of the state education landscape and emphasize why institutions of higher education-PK-12 schools-community are interconnected, and the opportunity to develop mutually beneficial relationships.
- The How – Panel Highlighting Existing Partnerships & UACS: Superintendents and University staff share what their partnership looks like and how it has enhanced both institutions, assumptions to avoid, and tips on how to engage with one another.
- Breakout Discussions: Organized by role, (Presidents, Deans, IHE Partnerships & Outreach Offices, Faculty, and School-District related) participants share how they can support the UACS strategy and discuss what’s needed to establish mutually beneficial relationships between higher education and school districts.
- The Opportunity – Panel Discussion: Highlight existing University-Assisted Community School initiatives and uplift opportunities for better alignment and coordination with universities. For example, educator pipelines and community-based curriculum. Also, provide an overview of relevant policy and funding mechanisms.
- Remarks from Dignitaries: Policymakers are recognized for their support and encourage further collaboration and advocacy. They also recognize how UACS fit their goals and benefit constituents.
- Mobilizing Next Steps: Encourage participants to identify a campus UACS point person and share ways in which local universities can learn more about the strategy and receive direct implementation support. Click here for an example.
Click the link below for a more detailed break-down of the convening for those looking to replicate.