Strengthening Communities through Place-Based University Partnerships

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:45 am - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Bridging Campuses, Communities, and Classrooms: Collaborative Pathways to Lasting Change

Abstract

This multiple case study examines university-community partnerships through Place-Based Community Engagement (PBCE) framework, analyzing two nonprofit organizations participating in Community Connect, a university-led capacity-building initiative. Using thematic analysis, we explore how collaborative partnerships shape place-based relationships between universities and community organizations. Findings reveal complementary organizational strengths. Both cases illuminate shared challenges including transportation barriers, balancing funder requirements with community responsiveness, and achieving sustainable community ownership. Cross-case analysis demonstrates that effective PBCE requires systematic investment in relationship-building infrastructure, flexible evaluation approaches honoring community-defined outcomes, and cross-sector partnerships distributing power and resources. This research contributes to understanding universities' role as anchor institutions, fostering educational justice through sustained, reciprocal community engagement.

Authors

• Prajakt Pande, Aarhus University

• Marc Sager, Southern Methodist University

• Karen Pierce, Southern Methodist University

• Jessica Murillo, Southern Methodist University

• Rolanda Washington, Southern Methodist University