Partnership Overview
The University of Denver’s Pioneer Leadership Program (PLP) seeks to link formal leadership learning with experience through community involvement. Students will spend a year of engaged service in a nonprofit or local school that is focused on a social issue for which they are passionate.
To guide students and community partners in choosing more transformative service that has tangible learning opportunities for the student and a real contribution to the partner site, the following principles should guide a community/student partnership:
Principle 1: Learn in the community. PLP seeks to involve students in engaged service that helps students learn about issues and priorities in the Denver community. It gets students off campus, often on public transportation, and helps them to see the Denver culture and community through the nonprofit, government, or education sector. This insight helps students to identify gaps and begin to think about sustainable ways to take next steps.
Principle 2: Direct and Partnered Service. PLP seeks opportunities for its students that provide direct contact with the community served, and also ensures that each party will benefit from the year-long partnership. It is important to know people in the community and be known. Our relationships are cultivated so they provide connectedness and expand one’s network now and in the future.
Principle 3: Leadership Development. Service opportunities strengthen the knowledge and application of related leadership theories. In addition, they expand the experiences of students in complex life issues through personal and leadership development.
Community partners should expect the following from the PLP student:
- A full academic year of service with a regular and consistent schedule
- Thorough and excellent service with clear and open communication about breaks, etc.
- Fresh perspective and engaged energy from a young, emerging leader
- Potential long-term relationship that extends through the student’s four years
PLP students can expect the following from the community partner:
- Service focus that fulfills the three principles outlined above
- Opportunities to hone leadership skills and pursue personal development goals
- Access to top leadership for interviews, observation and interaction
- Evaluation and feedback from community leaders