Building Collaborative Partnerships How a Graduate Extended Studies Program Succeeds Center for NEW DIRECTIONS in Politics and Public Policy
In the Beginning
Robert Lee “Bob” Clifton June 21, 1933 – August 2, 2009
• Undergrads in Denver – 1990 • Graduate program begins (30 students)– Durango, 1997 • First interns (4) – SW Colorado, 1999 • Program comes to Front Range – 2002 • History of certificates: Leadership/Community Leadership
MA in Political Science with emphasis in Politics and Public Policy • Intensive weekend format • Two locales: – Metro Denver (TWE) – Durango, CO (Fort Lewis College)
• 30-33 credit hours – 30 hours with capstone project – 33 hours with capstone thesis
• • • • •
Complete in two years Focus on development of leadership competencies Cathy Shipley Best and Brightest Internship Program 30-50 students 70% of graduates in government leadership; 20% in nonprofit organization leadership; 10% other • Also undergraduate concentration in Public Policy – Slash courses – Recruitment
Our Students • Traditional students
• Working professionals
• Career change
Community Outreach • Professional organizations – Colorado Municipal League – Colorado City County Management Association – Colorado Women Leading Government
• Local government leaders • Fort Lewis faculty • Colorado college and university faculty
Advisory Boards • Denver Metro Area – Initial financial commitment - $2,500/jurisdiction – Continuing advice and community outreach
• Four Corners Area – More recent addition – Community leaders – Student recruitment
Collaboration • Building relationships • Tapping alums and continuing students • The importance of details/small things – The perfect cinnamon roll – Dual roles • Director of relationship building, student recruitment, day-to-day operations • Faculty member: Politics, Public Policy & Leadership, Research Methods in Political Science, Public Priorities for the 21st Century, Building Collaborative Partnerships
Best and Brightest • ICMA Awards – 1998, Best academic program meeting the needs of local governments – 2004, Best Collaboration among local governments and the University
• Partnership with Colorado Department of Local Affairs • Participating jurisdictions
Division of Labor • Department of Local Affairs – – – –
Selects communities Collects job descriptions and mentoring plans Provides additional mentoring for interns Provides $20,000 per year per intern
• University – Recruits students – Provides academic program – Provides mentoring and support for interns
• Local jurisdictions – – – –
Writes job descriptions and mentoring plans Provides day to day work supervision and mentoring Is sensitive to the needs of full time student/interns Provides $17,500 per year per intern
The Department of Local Affairs
Participating Jurisdictions Brighton, Colorado • Brighton’s Manuel Esquibel and Intern Murphy Robinson III
Participating Jurisdictions Adams County • Deputy County Manager for External Affairs Raymond Gonzales and Intern Gabriel Rodriguez
Durango, Colorado • City Manager Ron LeBlanc & Interns Gloria Kaasch-Buerger and Ariel Wishkovsky
Eaton, Colorado • City Manager Gary Carsten & Intern Jeff Schreier
Nederland, Colorado • City Manager Aleisha Reis and Intern Alexander ArmaniMunn
Over the Years • Northeast Colorado – Sterling – Fort Morgan
• Southeast Colorado – – – – – – – –
Burlington Crowley County Holly Kiowa County Otero County Pueblo Rocky Ford Trinidad
Our History • South Central Colorado – – – – – –
Alamosa Buena Vista Costilla County Rio Grande County Salida Saguache