University-School Partnerships: 10 Lessons Learned Over the Past 10 Years

Abstract

There are multiple examples in the literature of universities and school districts coming together to form partnerships to effectively meet the needs of children and adolescents. University-school partnerships can be mutually beneficial to both types of institutions for several reasons, including the opportunities they provide for sharing resources and conducting meaningful, evidence-based, practice-informed research. While university-school partnerships are critical for identifying points of intervention in schools and for improving children’s physical health, mental health, and academic outcomes, substantial barriers exist to forming successful partnerships. Potential partner institutions need information on how to create trusting and mutually beneficial university-school partnerships. This paper summarizes 10 lessons learned over the past 10 years from a successful university-school partnership and provides tangible ideas and strategies for others who hope to engage in similarly successful partnerships.