University-Assisted Community Schools (2019-2020)
This project aimed to establish an equitable and sustaining partnership between Duke, North Carolina Central University and Durham Public Schools. In order to learn more about existing models, team members visited New Mexico State University, Milwaukee Public Schools Community Schools Partnership, United Community Schools in New York City, University of Central Florida and University of Pennsylvania.
Team members conducted an assets and needs assessment. They found that undergraduate students and Durham Public Schools reported a need for more tutor preparation in pedagogy. Undergraduate students with prior experience working with pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students reported feeling more competent. Undergraduates also reported building fulfilling relationships. Overall, the team found that undergraduate students are motivated to tutor Durham students because of a sense of responsibility for the community, a desire for personal relationships with the young students, and a chance to explore potential careers in education.
Timing
Fall 2019 – Spring 2020
Team Outputs
#InThisTogether: A Collective Approach to Student-Engaged Research and How Two Durham Universities Joined Forces to Defend and Transform Durham Public Schools (p. 47, Article by Jessica F. Benton, Yolanda L. Dunston, Amy L. Anderson and Alec D. Greenwald)
University Partners for Durham Public Schools (Fortin Foundation Bass Connections Virtual Showcase 2020)
University-assisted Community Schools (poster by Alec Greenwald, Yolanda Dunston, Amy Anderson, Jess Benton, Eliza Mathew, Erma Smith-King, Lindsey Miller Furiness, Chi Vo, Kevin McLeod, Kisha Daniels, Adam Hollowell, Jamie Eaton, Brie Russell, Aaron Crouse, Debra Best, Erica Phillips, Akelo Agingu, Jasmine Benner, Nicole Bonna, Alex Cho, Ce’Ondra Ellison, Milan Hamilton, Amaya Jackson, Stephanie Mayle, Bella Miller, Lillian Park, Joshua Podl, LaDearia Poulson, Michelle Qiou, Raisa Reed, Songia Wynn)
Reflection
This Team in the News
How Duke and NC Central University Are #InThisTogether to Support Durham Schools
Duke–NCCU Group Visits Orlando to Learn About Community Partnership Schools
This project team was originally part of the Education & Human Development theme of Bass Connections, which ended in 2022. See related team, Strengthening Partnerships between Durham Public Schools and Local Universities (2020-2021).
Images: Courtesy of Bull City Community Schools Partnership blog