Why Community Colleges Need Organizational Partnerships [electronic resource] / Paul G. Kussrow.
Community problems are often so immense that community colleges can only respond effectively by forming organizational partnerships. The key to successful partnerships is communication among agencies; once an appreciation of each organization's capabilities is reached, community needs can be id...
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Full Text (via ERIC) |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic eBook |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[S.l.] :
Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse,
1995.
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| Subjects: |
| Summary: | Community problems are often so immense that community colleges can only respond effectively by forming organizational partnerships. The key to successful partnerships is communication among agencies; once an appreciation of each organization's capabilities is reached, community needs can be identified and responsive strategies can be designed. As resources and expertise are shared in areas of overlapping services, activities and staff time can be focused to expand each agency's original area of service. Other benefits include reduced costs, better use of existing building, staff, equipment, and other resources, non-duplication of services, and lower taxes. Before organizational partnerships can occur, however, there must be a mutual belief in the need for a partnership; an understanding of each party's needs and constraints; an understanding of each partner's role; an appreciation of the structure, staff partners, funding and size of the other partner; a continued focus on mutual benefits; developed strategies; an awareness of existing commitments; mutually developed goals and measurable objectives; and periodic evaluation of partnership agreements. Partnerships currently in place in North Carolina include: (1) Mitchell Community College and Morresville Graded Schools share typing classrooms and a computer center; (2) Caldwell Community College and Caldwell County are partners in a campaign to raise funds to construct a civic/performing arts center; (3) Catawba Valley Community College developed a horticulture technology program with the help of local business owners; (4) Wilkes Community College Small Business Center works in partnership with state and local government, colleges, universities, financial institutions, accountants, attorneys, and other private enterprises in promoting assistance to small business firms; and (5) Gaston College in partnership with Lincoln County schools and the Economic Development Commission of Lincoln County, provides specialized technical and vocational lessons for 11th and 12th graders. Contains six references. (KP) |
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| Item Description: | ERIC Document Number: ED386230. |
| Physical Description: | 18 p. |