Campus-Community Connections
The official newsletter of the International
Town & Gown Association™ Dec. 12, 2019
Plans to Boost Participation in 2020 Census
Chicago, IL
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently announced a strategic initiative to distribute $500,000 in funding for community-based organizations to assist the City in educating and engaging residents about the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census. Working in partnership with Forefront's IL Count Me In 2020 program, the City will allocate grant funding to several community organizations to support an effective and comprehensive census outreach strategy focused on ensuring a complete and accurate account. To see the "Making the 2020 Census Count" webinar hosted by ITGA, the U.S. Census Bureau, the National League of Cities' University Communities Council and other partners, click here . The Chicago Crusader
Helping Students Get to College - and Stay There
San Jose State University, CA
Fewer than 20 percent of students entering San Jose State in 2014 finished in four years-less than half the national average. To tackle these problems, California is trying creative solutions. Among other initiatives, the state this year has invested heavily in helping community college students transfer to four-year schools; spent $50 million on campus food banks and other programs to combat student hunger and homelessness; opened an online community college to serve students who are working; and boosted state grants for students with children. The Hechinger Report and CalMatters
ITGA Outreach 2020: DePaul's Julie Emms to Lead
Director of Community Relations at DePaul University Julie Emms will serve as chair of ITGA's Outreach Committee in 2020. Outreach was launched in 2019, and has served as a steady resource and producer for internal/external needs, including development of a new video, brochure and intern program, and providing leadership with time-sensitive writing and editing needs. Julie's campus-community engagement in the greater Chicago area is impressive on many fronts, and she has presented at several national conferences, including ITGA, Society of College and University Planners, and City Age: LA. "I am excited to lead this committee," says Julie, "and work with ITGA's leaders and members to raise the visibility of the organization, and bring it to the forefront of those working in our industry." For questions, comments or to join Team Outreach, e-mail Outreach@itga.org .
ITGA Call for Board Nominations
Call for ITGA Board nominations is open! If you are interested in leadership opportunities, this may be your chance to get more involved with ITGA. The ITGA Board of Directors nomination process is designed to recruit and seek out dynamic and dedicated active voluntary professionals in service of the organization at the leadership level. The BOD meets four times a year (via conference call) and at the annual conference. Candidates for Directors must be an ITGA member. Responsibilities include being an ambassador for the organization, serving as a point of contact for resources and outreach, and serving or chairing special committees prescribed by the President. To learn more and/or apply, please review our updated  bylaws  and/or click  here . Send questions to  Beth@itga.org.
Intern Challenge: Deadline Dec. 20
The 2019 ITGA Intern Challenge will shine a thankful light on effective student-led community projects, in collaboration with a local government or nonprofit, in one of these areas: climate change and sustainability; race relations and shared interests; and student mental health initiatives. Winning groups or individuals in these three categories will have a donation made to a nonprofit of their choosing in their community. Submissions should be 250 words or less, plus e-links on the project, outcomes and any media coverage, sent to Outreach@itga.org by eob Dec. 20. Thanks for engaging. We know students near and far are doing great work in Canadian, UK and US college towns!
ITGA Student Engagement
Ninth in a series of representative collaborations
"University of Michigan/Ann Arbor: Students, Habitat for Humanity increase resident engagement." Learn more. University of Delaware/Dover: "A New beginning for the 4-H club." Learn more . Would you like student engagement from your community or campus highlighted in this space? E-mail Outreach@itga.org .
Join us on Social Media
A growing and impressive group of professionals from campus communities continue to network and share strategies for improving town-gown relations. Join us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Instagram .