CIP/Community Interaction Partnership

 Mission 

To facilitate unique connections between Southwestern University students with students who, due to language barriers, socio-economic limitations, behavior/learning issues, and/or cultural marginalization, do not feel connected to their school or community, lack confidence in themselves, and need positive relationships with adults. 

Program Description

The Community Interaction Partnership (CIP) is the product of a unique arrangement between The Georgetown Project and Southwestern University through which Southwestern University students gain valuable work and service-learning experience in the Georgetown community. 

CIP has established partnerships with several school- and community-based programs to meet the basic educational needs of, and build Developmental Assets and life skills in, at-risk GISD students.  We focus particularly on students in grades 6-12.  Over the last year, CIP has reached approximately 300 students in this target population via the following partnerships:

• Richarte High School
• Georgetown High School’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
• GO Center
• After School Action Program (ASAP)
• Upward Bound
• Georgetown Independent School District’s Migrant Family Program
• Georgetown Public Library 

All CIP initiatives target children and youth of low-income families.  We provide not only academic support to young people, but offer positive young adult role models who are truly committed to helping Georgetown youth succeed.  CIP Interns provide a window through which young people can more clearly visualize higher education as a viable alternative for their future.

Community Interaction Partnership builds the following Developmental Assets:

Support

#3  Other Adult Relationships.  Young people have at least three other adults in their lives giving them support in addition to their parent(s).

Empowerment

#7  Community Values Youth.  Young people know they are valued by the adults in their community.

Boundaries and Expectations

#14  Adult Role Models.  Parents and other adults set good examples for young people.

#16  High Expectations.  Parents and teachers [including mentors/tutors] push young people to reach their full potential.

Commitment to Learning

#23  Homework.  Young people spend at least 1 hour per day on homework.

Positive Values

#26  Caring.  Young people feel that it is important to help others and make the world a better place.

CIP Coordinator:  Valerie Young

SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY INTERNS:  Tristine Baccam, Samantha Belicek, Amy Bray, Shannon Burge, Janet Del Real, Josh Gideon, Ashley Holland, Matthew Kamas, Mattie McCain, Alexandra Nicol, Mercedes Sanchez, Ashley Wilson, Brittany Zimlich.