The Center develops mutually beneficial relationships between Indiana University and schools in Indiana. Our primary objective is to improve the quality of the learning experience of students in Pathways Schools by connecting them to the resources at IU. The partnerships begin by examining the unique needs of the school, collecting feedback from all stakeholders, and then strategically planning collaborative projects. One of the key ways the Center supports educational improvement is by providing professional development for the educators that is tailored to the school’s goals and improves the quality of instruction for the students. In the long-run, these partnerships will prepare more students from underrepresented groups for postsecondary education and the workforce.

These strong partnerships with pre-K–12 schools lead to multidisciplinary research projects that are situated in authentic school settings. While also serving the schools, IU faculty co-construct research projects with multiple partners from within the schools and the university. The research from the reciprocal relationships will richly inform university efforts to improve teacher preparation programs and development of research-based models of best practice. The Center will share all findings through professional development, summer courses, degree programs, and other dissemination channels.