Engaging in innovative partnerships to leverage expertise and influence

When compared with its competitors in education, policy and human development, the School of Education and Social Policy is relatively small in numbers of faculty, students and staff. In addition, our School is located within Northwestern, a university that is relatively small compared to its peer competitors. In order to achieve our vision and enhance our reputation, our School must leverage our expertise to extend our reach and influence. We know that by engaging in innovative partnerships – here at Northwestern, as well as with other universities, leaders of not-for-profit organizations and foundations, teachers and other school leaders – we learn from the experiences of those scholars and practitioners. In partnerships we see the opportunity to increase our influence, as well as improve the likelihood of successfully incorporating our designs or interventions into practice. We will continue to form strategic partnerships here at Northwestern, as well as in the Evanston/Chicago area and nationally.

Examples

	The Meaningful Science Consortium expanded its innovative three-year science curriculum to 12 high schools as part of the Chicago Public Schools’ High School Transformation Project. With a new grant from Boeing Corporation, the Consortium is adding an online lesson-planning component for teachers.
	The Asset-Based Community Development Institute received a $360,000 grant from the Chicago Community Trust for a project to help Chicago charter schools create mutually productive relationships with their neighborhood communities and community leaders. The project will help schools secure new resources and political support for school funding.
	The Office of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Partnerships (OSEP) collaborated with Northwestern’s Oncofertility Consortium to create a new web site with information and support for young women with cancer, as well as a Saturday Academy to interest teenage girls in medical careers. OSEP is a partnership with the Office of Research, which provides funding jointly with SESP.