Exploding in popularity around the world, the community schools model brings together a broad range of resources to support children, youth, families, schools and neighborhoods with the goal of maximizing learning both in and outside the classroom. This system is designed to bring the resources of universities to children and families to support their success in school and in life. To bring this vision to fruition, Binghamton University partners with area school districts to identify the needs of students and faculty to support their growing institutions. Binghamton University has the country’s first certificate program in community schools.
Binghamton students make connections with the area’s local schools through volunteering, interning, tutoring and mentoring in classroom settings. The community schools program also facilitates lunchtime anti-bullying programs and after school programming and family engagement events. This comprehensive approach to equitable school improvement helps break the intergenerational cycle of poverty by increasing the odds that youth will succeed in school and go on to lead productive lives.
Each active district has a coordinator to assess and support the specific needs of the school, its students and their community. Binghamton University students across all academic disciplines participate in the community schools’ initiative throughout the surrounding area. Students and families build connections with undergraduate, graduate and faculty from campus.
Give Back’s partnership with Binghamton University provides Give Back scholars with extra support through their community schools in the form of after school programming, extra mentorship, and tutoring. Students will enter the university with a wealth of experiences and knowledge equipping them for a seamless transition into higher education.