Research for the community

New England Journal of Higher Education, The, Summer 2001 by Harward, Donald W

Moreover, Bates is able to enhance hands-on learning while addressing community needs. "It is based on the promise that to prepare students for a lifetime of contributions to society, colleges should enable students to connect with the world beyond the campus while still in school," says LA Excels Executive Director Rebecca Conrad.

Mary private colleges already provide access to resources and expertise that reaches beyond the community; they bring visibility that reinforces community aspiration; and they contribute committed leadership and energy from students, staff and alumni.

For colleges and communities now engaged as civic entrepreneurs, forming a community-wide strategic partnership can lead to strengthening structures for change, growth and development. For residents of Lewiston and Auburn, the hometown private college's commitment to its "place" and to a genuine communitybased partnership, there is already an important result: a palpable attitudinal change, a confidence in the future and an expectation for success.

Donald W. Harvard is president of Bates College and chair of LA Excels.