Mission, Vision and History

Center for Community Partnerships' Mission: Connect the resources of the University and the resources of the communities of southeastern Wisconsin through a network of quality programming and services.

History: The University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the University of Wisconsin-Extension established the Center for Community Partnerships (CCP) in 1997, and in doing so created a portal for connecting the resources of the university to the needs and priorities of the community. The CCP was formed with support from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Outreach Partnership Center grant and has been sustained thereafter by program revenues and support from UW-Parkside, UW-Extension, and local stakeholders. UW-Parkside, the CCP, and its staff have obtained numerous statewide and national accolades. In 2006, UW-Parkside was recognized among only 30 public postsecondary institutions in the country to achieve the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification of "Community Engagement" in both categories of "Outreach and Partnerships" and "Curricular Engagement." In 2004, the Nonprofit Development Program (NPDP) was added to the array of successful program areas within the CCP.

Core Values:

• Dignity & Diversity: The CCP values the intrinsic dignity and worth of all human beings and seeks to involve diverse populations by maximizing access to all our efforts.
• Academic Excellence: The CCP values the unique role and culture of public comprehensive universities, and seeks to foster a scholarship of engagement - particularly among teaching and research initiatives - that contributes to the advancements of our society.
• Institutional & Student Engagement: The CCP values programs and activities that mobilize institutional resources that a.) develop students into active, informed, ethically sensitive, well-rounded citizens, and/or b.) contribute to the development of healthy, sustainable, just and democratic communities.
• Mutual Trust & Commitment: The CCP values relationships with individual and organizations that are characterized by mutual trust, respect, genuineness, and commitment.
• Assets Based Community Development: The CCP values partnerships that build upon identified strengths and assets to address important community priorities, rather than solely focusing on deficits within individuals or communities.
• Shared Power & Voice: The CCP values a democratic balance of power among diverse partners and the sharing of resources toward common goals. In all efforts we seek to listen to all who are willing to speak.
• Evaluation & Assessment: The CCP values a commitment to consistent assessment and evaluation of services offered to determine effectiveness and impact of programming.
• Reflection & Celebration: The CCP values regular and ongoing reflection in ways that enable continuous improvement and opportunities to celebrate our accomplishments.