Partnerships

At ACCESS, it is our vision for the Early Awareness program to establish community partnerships between Boston schools, churches, and community-based organizations throughout the city to ensure high quality financial aid advising, and resource-sharing is available to any student or parent in Boston.

Community partnerships involve multiple groups or agencies working together for mutual benefit of the greater community. By working together, groups that establish community partnerships can reach larger populations, avoid duplication of efforts, make better use of resources, and deal more effectively with the issues that face our communities.

By entering into partnerships, all parties agree to:

• Share a commitment to a common vision
• Put agendas and needs (personal and organizational) out in the open; they do not need to be identical, but should be compatible
• Be sensitive to the needs, styles, and limitations of other collaborators
• Maintain frequent and open communication
• Be sure everyone understands expectations, especially concerning responsibilities and tasks

At ACCESS we believe that community partnerships are an important process with key levels of participation.

1. Networking: The mutual sharing of information between groups of agencies. e.g. ACCESS and an organization may share a mailing list, or an agency will agree to handout or post materials for the Early Awareness Program.


2. Coordination: The sharing of information and altering activities for mutual benefit. e.g. A school or community organization may invite ACCESS to a parent night to present information.


3. Cooperation: The sharing of resources and information and altering activities for mutual benefit. e.g. An ACCESS counselor provides on-going, regular college counseling services at an organization or school.


4. Collaboration: The sharing of resources, information, and altering activities to enhance the ability of other partners for mutual benefit. e.g. ACCESS and other college preparatory organizations partner with multiple agencies within a neighborhood to hold large awareness events, and advise families on a much larger scale.

Due to budget, time, and other restraints, every partnership is not expected to reach all levels of participation. Adam Reinke, the ACCESS Early Awareness Coordinator, would like the opportunity to meet with a representative of your organization or school to discuss the establishment of a community partnership to benefit the youth of Boston Public Schools and their families. Explore the possibilities by calling 617-778-7195 ext. 107 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Together, community based-organizations, schools, and ACCESS can empower the youth of Boston to believe that a college degree is attainable.