“P-20” refers to education and training at all levels — pre-school through graduate studies — in schools, community colleges, workplaces, and other community settings. The Carnegie Foundation, which awarded NIU the classification for Community Engagement, defines it this way: “Engagement describes the collaboration between higher education institutions and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.” Put more simply, P-20 engagement means building mutually beneficial relationships related to education and training at all levels. “Engaged” partners learn together, discover new knowledge, and enjoy benefits that include meeting community needs, increasing economic vitality, and improving quality of life across the region.

Yes. Here are some of the resources the Center can offer:

• Market research to determine needs and interests
• A place to brainstorm ideas
• Facilitation for meetings and project planning
• Background information about partners and locations
• List of possible resources such as seed money and grant opportunities
• Connections to interested districts and employers
• Referrals to people with similar interests, research, or practice
• Identity development and marketing support

First, check ENGAGE! for partners and to list your project. You can also contact the P-20 Center (815-753-1403 or p20@niu.edu) for help in locating experts and resources.

Potentially, yes. We can help you locate like-minded colleagues and external partners. Being part of an interdisciplinary group can enhance your grant proposal.

You do. The Center provides support, facilitation, and coordination. We like to be thanked when we help you, but we are not seeking credit.

Yes. The Center hosts a variety of professional development activities. We welcome suggestions for meetings to promote faculty initiatives, research expertise, and model practices.

NIU strategic planning funds support this organization. We also depend on the efforts and good will of those who collaborate on Center activities.

Here is how Ohio State's Office of Research and Engagement answers this question: “If you are engaged...

• You are working collaboratively with an organization, colleague, or entity OUTSIDE the academic community. Examples of this may include working with teachers in a K-12 school, a community group, a governmental agency, or a professional from your discipline.
• You are bringing your disciplinary expertise to this partnership. Your knowledge as faculty, staff, or student of The Ohio State University contributes to the partnership.
• This work is a part of your research, teaching, and/or service. You are helping to make what you discovered through research useful, you are creating learning opportunities for citizens in off-campus environments, or you are providing a discipline-related service to the community.
• Each partner respects the contributions of and learns from the other(s).
• Every partnership is unique and based on the needs of the partners. There is not a single way to be engaged.” (The Ohio State University, Office of University Outreach and Engagement)

NIU’s Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning is dedicated to ensuring that NIU students benefit from engagement through high-impact experiences on campus and off campus. “…We seek to enhance the cognitive, social, and academic skills of our students to prepare them to be life-long learners and responsible citizens in our ever-changing, global society.

We also like Ohio State's response on this question: “Student benefits include

• The opportunity to link theory to practice and apply learning in community contexts
• Access to research, new knowledge, internships, and various kinds of off-campus learning opportunities
• Enhanced sense of civic responsibility
• Personal, interpersonal, and leadership development
• Appreciation for diversity
• Deeper understanding of subject fields and problem-solving ability
• Practical opportunities to prepare for the world and careers they will enter”

(The Ohio State University, Office of University Outreach and Engagement)

NIU brings experts and resources to the complex issues facing our communities. The Center for P-20 Engagement assembles teams from multiple disciplines, often composed of both faculty and students. In addition to making your community a better place to live, you will be training the leaders of tomorrow how to apply their academic knowledge to solve real-world problems.