It will be great to see JMU as the national leader for engagement as we move forward.Get breaking news & transfers, expert betting tips, weekly odds and promos. We're at a place where engagement is truly valued. It's what Alger is talking about with being an engaged university. 'Other universities might provide internships, but there's no formal program and that makes us unique. 'This program is innovative,' says Swartz. Programs like PCLP are what set JMU apart from other universities. 'Seeing that partnership is the most rewarding part of being head of the program.'

'Reciprocal-that's what a partnership is all about,' says Swartz. That student was offered the position and was told it was because of the direct involvement of the project. One of the students in the program had a job opportunity and gave the employer a portfolio of the plan they had done for the class. 'Students are able to develop more skills and gain real-world experiences.' 'By helping the organization, it provides faculty the opportunity to apply theory to practice and it keeps us current in the field,' says Swartz. The program is a win-win, in that it also benefits the faculty and students. 'The organizations are getting access to faculty and students at a reduced or free rate, and getting products like a development plan, needs assessment and other things that help the organization improve.' We're helping them to better meet their mission, ' says Dr. A lot of theses organizations' resources are strapped. The program allows such organizations to receive free or cheaper services. For Elkton, students created an economic development plan for the town. For the fire department, students produced new fundraising initiatives and created a residency program. Projects have included program evaluations for Mercy House, the Harrisonburg Volunteer Fire Company, and the Elkton Area Community Center and the Elkton Police Department. Government agencies, city and county governments, and nonprofit organizations have benefited from expertise offered by program faculty and students.

The PCLP offers a variety of assistance to public service organizations. This program was formed to better connect with the greater community by making available the expertise of the program's faculty and students. The department launched the Partners in Community Leadership Program, part of the Public Policy and Administration program. The JMU Department of Political Science has already started on this mission. He says that, 'a community that combines a commitment to learning with a conviction that all humans are interconnected has the potential to solve any issue.' He wants JMU to be the national model for an engaged university.

James Madison University President Jonathan Alger has a goal. The Partners in Community Leadership Program gives JMU students real-world experience and gives local communities the expertise they need

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