How Urban Colleges and Universities are Encouraging Civic Engagement

Learn how higher education institutions in urban settings are proving their social worth through civic engagement.

Colleges and universities have always had a major impact on their surrounding communities.  As these institutions are typically major employers and property owners, it is easy to see why.  Additionally, many schools located in highly-populated areas are taking things to the next level by partnering with their local communities to effect change.  Here’s how higher education institutions in urban settings are proving their social worth through civic engagement.

In 2015, a National Resource Network report found that only a few college and university presidents were working with local leaders to create a “holistic plan for economic development.”  However, as higher education institutions redefine their priorities and vision, this number has increased significantly.  In fact, many schools are now attempting to solidify their role as anchor institutions in their community.

Making this shift requires colleges and universities to forge productive partnerships with government, community, non-profit, and foundation leaders in their area.  However, fostering these relationships requires higher education institutions to balance their aspirations with financial and administrative limitations.  While colleges and universities may have big plans for effecting change in their local communities, they must have realistic expectations.  Oftentimes, the financial and political aspects of civic engagement work require expertise that most schools do not currently have.

However, higher education and community experts emphasize that having a shared and collective vision can help schools overcome the difficulties associated with becoming an anchor institution in their communities.  By teaching students how their education can affect what happens in the community, and vice versa, colleges and universities can make important strides towards civic engagement.

Here’s how higher education institutions in urban settings are proving their social worth through civic engagement. Looking for a consulting firm with experience working with salary, legal, and other human resources issues?  Then don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at McKnight Associates, Inc.  We are ready to offer you hands-on human resources consulting for colleges, universities, medical centers, and organizations of all sizes.