Institute for Collaboration initiatives create links between organizations to enhance the well-being and academic achievement of students in our community, while also providing AU students with rich opportunities for learning by immersing them in settings where they can practice their future professions.
Current Initiatives
The Mathematics and Science Education Center of Aurora University
Aurora University and the Institute for Collaboration are creating an
alternative model for mathematics and science education that includes an
innovative STEM Partnership School on the AU campus.
MyTime After-School Program
Developed and supported by the City of Aurora, Communities In Schools, and
public and private organizations, MyTime serves more than 1,000 students from
Aurora elementary and middle school students every afternoon. The free program
engages students in positive activities in academics, fine arts, recreation and
community service. Approximately 120 AU undergraduate students are employed as
activity leaders, building their resumés as they prepare for careers in fields
such as education and social work.
Pre-College Program
In collaboration with the Quad County Urban League, Associated Colleges of
Illinois, Communities In Schools and the United Way, Aurora University hosts
high school students on campus every summer as part of the Pre-College program.
The free program introduces talented at-risk students to the college
experience, immersing them on campus for three days and exposing them to the
expectations of higher education.
Healthy Living Council
Established in collaboration with the Kane County Health Department, the
council promotes the agenda of the Making Kane County Fit for Kids
initiative. Comprised of members of the Institute for Collaboration Community
Leaders Committee, the council is working to reduce childhood obesity through
programs promoting wellness and health with the goal of making Kane County
residents the healthiest in the state by 2020.
Collaboration Model
The Institute collaboration model includes six steps for creating new programs:
- Step 1: Community suggests program ideas based on community needs
- Step 2: Ideas presented to Institute for Collaboration
- Step 3: Committee of Community Leaders receives recommendations for consideration
- Step 4: Subcommittee formed to create a design and implementation plan
- Step 5: Institute representatives monitor project or program
- Step 6: Program launched from Institute
