University & Community Partnerships

AAC&U is a membership organization of over 1,000 universities across the country. This website has links to descriptions of AAC&U's main civic engagement initiatives and programs, as well as to a number of publications regarding the role of universities in promoting civic engagement by students and faculty. Read more about American Association of Colleges and Universities, "Civic Engagement"...

AIHEC was founded in 1972 by the presidents of the nation's first six Tribal Colleges as an informal collaboration among member colleges. Today, the group has grown to represent 34 colleges in the United States and one Canadian institution. AIHEC aims to support the work of these colleges, encourage the development of new tribal colleges, and encourage the participation of American Indians in the development of higher education policy. Read more about American Indian Higher Education Consortium...

Working to organize and mobilize the collective tools and assets of the environmental education community, the Campaign for Environmental Literacy's mission is to secure federal support and encouragement for innovative environmental education programs across the nation. In addition to lobbying for increased federal funds, the Campaign works to increase the quantity and quality of environmental education across the country, focusing on the environmental education field and raising the awareness of the general public. Read more about Campaign for Environmental Literacy...

The Carnegie Foundation defines community engagement as “the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.” When Carnegie launched its elective community engagement rating in December 2006, 76 schools met the standards set by the foundation's advisory committee, including Penn, UCLA, Minnesota, Arizona State, Emory, Tufts, Michigan State, DePaul, NYU, North Carolina, Portland State, and Indiana University Read more about Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching: Community Engagement...

The Commission works in cooperation with the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities (USU) to promote urban issues and programs on behalf of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (formerly the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges). Over the years, the group has encouraged and promoted strong partnerships among its member institutions and federal departments and agencies in areas of mutual interest, including the HUD Office of University Partnerships and urban extension programs. Read more about Commission on Urban Initiatives...

This federal government program provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through three programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. Members and volunteers serve with national and community nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, schools, and local agencies to help meet community needs. Read more about Corporation for National & Community Service...

Established in 1986, HACU today represents more than 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain and Portugal. Although its U.S. member institutions represent less than 10% of higher education institutions nationwide, together they are home to more than two-thirds of all Hispanic college students. Read more about Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities...

Founded in 1969 by presidents and chancellors of the nation's historically and predominantly black colleges and universities. NAFEO today represents approximately 500,000 students and their families. NAFEO member institutions are public and private, 2- and 4-year, community, regional, national and international comprehensive research institutions, located in twenty-five states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Brazil. Read more about National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education...

National Collaborative for the Study of University Engagement (NCSUE), based at Michigan State University, seeks to develop a greater understanding of how university engagement enhances faculty scholarship and community progress by coordinating national efforts and bringing together Center staff with tenured faculty and community fellows who wish to write and present on their scholarship and engagement work. Read more about National Collaborative for the Study of University Engagement...

The Association serves as a medium of information for educational institutions and the communities in which they are located.  The organization acts as a link to foster communication and increase the quality of life for residents, faculty, and students. Read more about The International Town-Gown Association...