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A new partnership between �������ý��Ƶ and Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI), gives �������ý��Ƶ students the opportunity to apply concepts they are learning in class to real‑world community challenges. 

Facilitated by �������ý��Ƶ’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE), the collaboration connects students and faculty with community partners to co‑develop projects that address local priorities while enhancing academic learning. In partnership with ADI, students will contribute research-based insights and creative problem-solving on issues such as safe walkability, downtown experience, and quality-of-life concerns.

“This is a mutually beneficial partnership that illustrates �������ý��Ƶ’s commitment to community-engaged learning and local collaboration,” said Michelle Buchinger, Coordinator for Experimental Learning & Community Engagement at �������ý��Ƶ.  “We’re excited about this partnership and looking forward to creating many more like it.”

The interdisciplinary course brings together students from the Business and Entrepreneurship and Psychology programs, bringing together their unique skill sets to explore a common challenge. The partnership highlights the value of �������ý��Ƶ’s liberal arts model in addressing complex, real‑world challenges. Students provide time, capacity, and fresh perspectives, while ADI gains thoughtful analysis and research support to inform long‑term planning.

“This is a great way to garner information, gain new perspectives, and work side-by-side with residents to gather the data,” said Jennifer Stephany, Executive Director at ADI. 

The partnership strengthens students’ connection to the Fox Cities. Because many students live downtown, they can provide firsthand perspectives on community dynamics. The experience can help create a bridge from the student to the community, deepening their local connections and increasing the likelihood they will remain engaged in the region after graduation.

Invitation to Community Partners

The Center for Community Engagement encourages other Fox Cities organizations to explore similar partnerships. Projects are developed collaboratively and tailored to organizational needs and course goals, with CCE providing facilitation and support to ensure projects are manageable and impactful.

“Experiential learning projects are a valuable way to integrate real-world impact into our courses,” said Carrie Picardi, J. Thomas Hurvis, professor of organizational psychology and collaboration, and associate professor of psychology at �������ý��Ƶ. “With creative collaboration, we can design projects that allow students to apply concepts they are currently learning. This course, Organizational Development, is interdisciplinary and weaves together business and psychology topics such as behavioral change, research methods, strategic planning, and innovation. I am thrilled to partner with ADI and provide my students with this opportunity.”

By linking academic learning with community priorities, partnerships of this nature illustrate how universities and local organizations can work together to strengthen the region through sustained, mutually beneficial collaboration.

For more information about partnership opportunities, contact the �������ý��Ƶ Center for Community Engagement at community.engagement@lawrence.edu.