Reviewing the Current State of Community-University Partnerships

Abstract

This report reviews the state of university-community partnerships in the United States through the lens of the University of Minnesota’s Resilient Communities Project (RCP) and its affiliation with the EPIC (Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities) Network. University-community partnerships have become vital for addressing complex local challenges while offering students applied learning experiences. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, this study includes a comparative analysis of nine EPIC-N programs and a literature review of similar initiatives outside the network to evaluate RCP’s position and potential for growth. The research investigates how such programs are structured within universities, how partnerships are formed and maintained, and what evaluative tools are used to measure success. Findings highlight significant variation in program governance, project selection processes, and sustainability strategies, with successful initiatives often striking a balance between institutional goals and community responsiveness. The report also identifies gaps in long-term impact evaluation, funding stability, and challenges to faculty engagement. COVID-19 further shaped the evolution of these programs by accelerating the adoption of hybrid collaboration models. Based on these insights, the report recommends that RCP limit its mission or codify its differences, strengthen community and faculty networks, enhance project deliverables, develop quantitative metrics to support existing qualitative metrics, and provide feedback to the EPIC Network about supporting best practices. These steps will position RCP to serve community partners better, demonstrate value to university stakeholders, and lead the ongoing development of impactful university-community collaborations.