Resources for Building Community Partnerships
Learn how schools can benefit from the support and expertise of local businesses, organizations, and individuals, and discover strategies for fostering successful business and community partnerships.
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Discover Benefits of Community and Business Partnerships
Explore Specific Tips and Strategies for Schools
Build Partnerships to Support Project-Based Learning
See Successful Partnerships in Action
Dive into examples of successful business and community partnerships to support career readiness, service learning, and afterschool and enrichment programs.
Fostering Career Readiness
Creating Opportunities for Service Learning
Supporting Afterschool Learning and Enrichment Programs
Downloads and Examples From Schools That Work
Edutopia's flagship series highlights practices and case studies from K-12 schools and districts that are improving the way students learn. Below, find downloads used by practitioners at featured schools, and explore real-world examples of community partnerships.
At Hood River Middle School in Hood River, Oregon, local experts make learning come to life. See how Hood River connects to community members as a part of place-based learning, and learn how this school has turned itself into a community hub.
Find out how Walter Bracken STEAM Academy Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada, partnered with organizations to bring lessons in financial literacy to the school. Then learn how the school found donors and brought in gardening experts to transform school grounds.
Crellin Elementary School in Crellin, Maryland, uses community needs as real-world catalysts for learning. Learn how Crellin educators reach out to the community to identify opportunities for place-based learning and invite community partners into classrooms to share their expertise.
Students at Montpelier High School in Montpelier, Vermont, work with local organizations, businesses, and individuals to craft internships that allow them to explore their interests, learn skills, and work collaboratively. Take a look at how Montpelier finds real-life community applications for student learning through service-learning projects, and explore a few of this school's resources:
For students at Normal Park Museum Magnet School, the entire community of Chattanooga, Tennessee -- from museums and cultural centers to local businesses and natural areas -- provides opportunities to make real-world curriculum connections; discover how Normal Park engages community partners to provide these new opportunities for learning.
Have you built successful community or business partnerships with your class, school, or district? Are you aware of other helpful resources? Please share your experiences and any additional resources in the comments.