Bridging Communities: A Collaborative Program in a Community College

Cari Stevenson, Kankakee Community College

Community colleges serve as vital bridges between education and community engagement. As a community psychologist and professor at a community college, I saw the potential for partnerships to enrich learning and foster meaningful connections. This partnership came to fruition when I volunteered at a local nonprofit with my students and met the training director of an organization dedicated to raising and training service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress. Together, we created a program that intertwines education, community services, and service dog training. 

The program was designed to provide students with hands-on opportunities to apply principles of behavioral psychology while assisting in training service puppies. Students learned to implement conditioning techniques, which benefitted not only their education but also the puppies who gained essential real-world socialization. Veterans participating in the program served as role models demonstrating training techniques which allowed them to bolster their training skills while engaging in community education. This reciprocal design ensured that all participants benefited from the collaboration. 

The program’s positive impact quickly became evident. Students deepened their understanding of behavioral psychology through practical applications as well as empathy for community members living with mental health conditions. The puppies thrived in diverse social environments, becoming better prepared for their roles as service animals. Veterans found purpose in mentoring students and contributing to their community, fostering a sense of connection and fulfillment. 

These outcomes spurred further developments. The community partner now offers training courses for veterans on our campus so that they can engage in more community spaces. I launched a credited course in Learning and Conditioning allowing students to formally integrate this experience into their academic journey. Building on this momentum, we are now developing a credited Animal Training program to expand interdisciplinary learning and career pathways. 

This collaboration was a fortuitous venture that developed organically through our mutual passion. I had not intended to launch a new academic program when I volunteered that day, but now the program seems like such a natural fit in our community. If you are considering developing community partnerships to broaden students’ experiences, first look for areas where the community’s needs align with your academic or institutional goals. This may be met through small service-learning projects or wider community engagement programs. Focus first on opportunities for participants to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and meaningful outcomes rather than scale. While these experiences deepen student engagement and learning, it is also crucial to ensure that the community partner benefits from the collaboration. Be sure to include community partners and any related stakeholders in the planning process as well as evaluation to ensure that all participants are gaining value from the program. 

Collaborative programs demonstrate the power of community in education. By bridging the gap between academic and community goals, we have created a model that enriches learning, supports community engagement, and fosters a sense of belonging for all involved. Community education programs exemplify what can be achieved when colleges and community organizations come together to address shared needs and opportunities.