The Community Partnership Schools™ Model

What is the Community Partnership Schools™ model?

The Community Partnership Schools™ model signifies a committed collective effort in education, anchored by a collaborative relationship among school districts, colleges or universities, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers. This strategic collaboration is dedicated to cultivating an educational environment that is attuned to the unique needs of the community, drawing upon the diverse strengths and insights offered by these contributing partners.

Key Features

• Partnership Synergy: The heart of this model is a sustained alliance with a school district, university or college, nonprofit, and healthcare provider, each bringing their specialized capabilities to champion student success and community wellness.
• Depth and Duration of Engagement: Partners sign on for a minimum of 25 years with a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring lasting impact and continuity of care.
• Empowered Decision-Making: Leadership from across partner entities forms a governing council that makes collective, strategic decisions regarding funding, resource allocation, staffing, and the engagement with local service providers.
• Dedicated Roles for Targeted Impact: Implementation is spearheaded by core staff members – a director, expanded learning coordinator, healthcare coordinator, and family and community engagement coordinator – who drive initiatives aligned with the community school’s four pillars of success.

Bridging Gaps with Custom-Fit Solutions
It's understood that thriving in education extends beyond the classroom. Community Partnership Schools™ aim to address and mitigate wider social and health challenges that can be barriers to learning. By situating health services and wellness programs within the school’s infrastructure, the model presents a holistic, integrated approach to childhood development.

Standing on Solid Ground
The organizational framework of Community Partnership Schools™ draws on the strength of its broad-based collaboration. The model includes not only the core partners but also engages school administrators, students, families, and community stakeholders in creating a holistic educational environment.

Benchmark for Success
Schools that apply the Community Partnership Schools™ standards and demonstrate effective operation over three years may pursue certification through the center. This benchmark of excellence positions schools to attract further investment and reinforces the model's efficacy.

Real-world Applications and Progress
The innovative Community Partnership Schools™ model has seen significant achievements, such as the transformation of Evans High School, where improved academic performance and decreased dropout rates have provided evidence of the real-world benefits of such a comprehensive partnership-based approach.

Looking Forward
The goal is to see every school become a hub of learning, health, and growth, with each Community Partnership School standing as a testament to what can be accomplished when commitment, cooperation, and community converge.

Join the Movement
Across Florida and beyond, there is an invitation for collaboration – for educators, healthcare professionals, families and community leaders to unite under the banner of the Community Partnership Schools™ model. Together, we can redefine the meaning of educational support and ensure a brighter future for every student.

PARTNERSHIP SCHOOLS

TOTAL STUDENTS

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

The Florida Legislature established the Community School Grant Program to fund and support the planning and implementation of Community Partnership Schools.

Community Partnership Schools provide comprehensive academic, social and healthcare services for students, staff, families and community members that result in improved outcomes for children. Coordination and alignment of services are based on identified student and family needs. Services are organized around results and outcomes are defined by the core partners.

Grant Award and Support
Each of the seven awardees will receive up to $80,000 in planning grant funds for the FY2024-25 school year. Awards must be used to establish a Community Partnership School and may support staff, supplies and/or other project needs outlined and approved by the UCF Center for Community Schools. Funding requires a 25% cost share of the full award amount. Partnership is responsible for securing cost share regardless of when the director is onboarded.

In addition to funding, school districts and partners will receive ongoing training and technical assistance for Community Partnership School planning, implementation, and evaluation from the UCF Center for Community Schools.

Questions? For more information about the Community School Grant Program, contact  Shannon Elliston.