The Intentional Community: Colleges and Community Groups Helping Low Income Youth Prepare for College.

This report presents principles and practices associated with establishing and maintaining effective community-based partnerships. Since 1993 a total of 25 private colleges and universities and nearly 30 community groups have participated in the College/Community Partnership Program, an effort to encourage private colleges and community groups to collaborate in encouraging and preparing students in low-income communities to attend college or other postsecondary institutions. These partnerships serve over 1,400 youth between grades 4 and 12. This report identifies more than 40 principles and practices associated with establishing and maintaining effective community-based partnerships. The report, which is the product of external evaluations, site visits, and focus groups, is divided into three sections: The first provides an overview of the historical and national context in which the program operates. The second section identifies organizational strategies for developing academic support programs; for effectively serving the students in the program; for involving the community; and for sustaining the partnerships. The third section offers recommendations for policymakers based on the principles and practices presented. An appendix describes 16 of the partnerships developed under the program. (DB)