Denver Mural

Place-based Partnerships

One of our central initiatives is to build and support sustainable place-based partnerships between community-based organizations and more formal educational institutions. This initiative builds on the longstanding and nationally recognized work in the School of Education by providing incentives and support for researchers and faculty to locate their work in three initial Colorado communities: Lafayette, near northeast (NNE) Denver, and Northeast Colorado. We aim to develop long-lasting and sustainable relationships across research projects located in a few geographic areas to ensure there is a greater impact and sustainability over time.

Our new place-based partnerships initiative began with a competitive seed grants program in 2017 to encourage creative and synergistic scholarship, professional development, and community-engaged work across roles and disciplines. From the first request for proposals, three promising proposals were selected. These grants encourage partnerships in teacher education, work with districts and communities in professional development in and out of schools, community-engaged work, research, and policy.

If you are interested in partnering with the School of Education, explore our faculty profiles, connect with one of our centers, or contact us.

CU Engage Community Partners

CU Engage, housed in the School of Education, is a nationally recognized center that supports the development of partnerships between community organizations and faculty, staff, and students from CU Boulder.

Learn more about CU Engage and its approach to partnerships and democratic (or collective) methods of inquiry and social action.