Following is a brief sampling. The community schools program uses the National Issues Forum concepts of talking through issues and shared decision making. Through partnerships with the private sector, colleges, United Way agencies, churches, and other organizations, classes and activities are provided for all ages. Collaborative efforts address such community issues as homelessness, illiteracy, poverty, crime, teen parenting, substance abuse, academic failure, and unemployment. Linkage between the schools and human service agencies makes counseling, health services, and employment training available at local school sites.
Every community school has a representative advisory council that is linked to the citywide council.
These volunteers participate in needs identification, goal setting, resource development, and evaluation. St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Six school buildings, four community centers, and other locations in the community are used. Relationships with the K-12 program are strong and positive. Adult volunteers serve as career and personal mentors to students and often provide enrichment activities in the classroom.