News

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Successful Communities Collaborative (SSCC) has established a 2020-21 partnership with the City of Highland, where SIUE students will gain real-world experience when they are matched with two community-identified projects. 

“We are thrilled to begin another partnership with the City of Highland, as part of the SIUE Successful Community Collaborative program,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb. “Our students and faculty will have the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines to serve individuals, organizations and the City on the issues that they identify. 

“We look forward to continuing our work with Highland and our other community partners to design new ways in which we can nurture and support the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of our region. We hope the projects our students and faculty work on will not only present a unique opportunity to learn outside of the traditional classroom but will also enhance our community well-being, while affirming our mission of shaping a changing world.” 

The first of the two projects include promoting and mobilizing the updated Silver Lake Watershed plan through the development of educational and outreach materials highlighting the benefits of living near a wetland, according to Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Sociology and SSCC director. 

The second project centers on Highland’s new Senior Center and Holly’s House of Hope (HHH), a non-profit whose mission is to guide young adults with disabilities toward more purpose-filled lives through employment and community service. Students will explore programming opportunities distinct to the Senior Center and HHH, as well as areas of potential collaboration between the two entities. 

“The City of Highland Parks and Recreation Department is excited to collaborate with SIUE’s Successful Communities program to improve specific aspects of Silver Lake and/or its watershed, and develop strategies for enhancing senior opportunities,” said Director Mark Rosen. “Being able to draw upon student research is vital to keeping Highland a livable and sustainable city.” 

“I’m excited about bringing new programs and opportunities to seniors in our community and surrounding communities,” said Breann Speraneo, director of community development for the City of Highland. “Specifically, the Give 5 program, which provides volunteer and mentorship opportunities to retirees that align with their interests and passions, will be an excellent outlet for seniors.” 

SIUE Successful Communities Collaborative (SSCC) is a cross-disciplinary program that supports one-year partnerships between the University and communities in Illinois to advance local resilience and sustainability based on community-identified environmental, social and economic issues and needs. Our mission is to connect Illinois communities with the dynamic resources of SIUE students and faculty.  

Photo:
Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Sociology and SSCC director.