Back See this section in context: Criterion 5 Core Component 5C

5C.4: Local Partnerships

Sauk partners with local agencies and organizations whenever goals intersect. These partnerships have been beneficial to the college and the community by enabling services and by sharing resources:

• Sauk Valley Partnership: The President and other community leaders identified a need for collaboration among not-for-profit organizations. Many of these groups had parallel concerns on how to effectively leverage their resources and communicate their messages. In FY09, the college invited several not-for-profit organizations such as the YMCA, park districts, and art centers to explore ways of collaborating to benefit the community. The Sauk Valley Partnership, under the leadership of Sauk's Coordinator of Personal and Professional Development, was formed for the purpose of sharing resources and coordinating schedules and publicity. The first result was a single schedule flier to market youth and adult activities. The flier was produced through 2010 when costs became prohibitive and the decision was made to seek alternative options. The partnership has also opened up new cooperation among organizations, such as sharing equipment and facilities. Although the existing ten partners have not tracked the impact on enrollment and the savings realized in their marketing budget, each reports that the collaboration is of significant benefit to its organization.
• Reagan scholarships: In 2009 Sauk formed a partnership with Eureka College to provide scholarships for Sauk students to transfer to Eureka. This partnership with President Ronald Reagan's alma mater provides an opportunity for the Sauk district to showcase its rich history as Reagan's birthplace and boyhood home. At a Ronald Reagan Birthday event where the scholarship was announced, Michael Reagan spoke on leadership to an audience of over 175. An annual Ronald Reagan Birthday Luncheon is intended to raise funds for the scholarship as well as to provide educational opportunities for students and community, hearing well-known speakers address leadership, service, and values.
• Service agencies: Since 2009, the Single Parent Committee has been charged with helping single parents who are attempting to obtain an education. Thanks to local grants from the United Way and other local organizations, the committee has been able to provide over $20,000 in emergency assistance.
• Health Department: In October, 2009, the Sauk Valley College Foundation, the Sauk Theatre program, and Whiteside County Health Department partnered to show the film Jumping Off Bridges, which addresses the topic of teen suicide. Over 200 students and community members viewed the film, listened to a presentation by the film's director and producer, and participated in a panel discussion. Counselors from Sauk and area high schools were in attendance, and area social service providers had resources on display at the on-campus event.
• Wind industry partners: Sauk sought and developed an educational partnership with Clipper Windpower, Inc., developing training and testing materials that can be used by both Sauk students and Clipper employees. This partnership has provided the curriculum enhancements used in wind energy and related courses, such as electronics, electricity, and hydraulics. In this ongoing effort, Clipper is providing the industry expertise and Sauk is providing faculty, facilities, and accreditation as the programs are developing. Clipper employees throughout the organization will be able to take advantage of this education both on campus as well as by internet courses.
• Health industry partners: Area health-care providers are vital for supporting Sauk’s allied health career programs. KSB Hospital and CGH Medical Center employ one adjunct faculty member; in addition, the hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics periodically donate equipment, supplies, or staff time as in-kind contributions to the program. This support testifies not only to a shortage of healthcare workers, but to the value these employers place on the importance of Sauk's ability to produce highly qualified healthcare workers.
• University of Illinois Cooperative Extension: The Cooperative Extension is consolidating the Lee, Carroll, and Whiteside county units into one district office which will move to the Sauk campus in 2011. This collaboration will benefit local residents by offering facilities centrally located within the consolidated district.