Harward Center for Community Partnerships

Harward Center for Community Partnerships is a central hub for civic engagement and community-based learning at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. Established through a transformative gift from David A. Harward and Michele L. Harward, the center fosters reciprocal partnerships between the college and the wider Androscoggin County region. Its work is grounded in the belief that integrating academic study with purposeful community action enriches learning, strengthens communities, and develops engaged citizens.

History and mission

The center was formally launched in 2007 following a major philanthropic commitment from David A. Harward, a Bates College alumnus and trustee, and his wife Michele L. Harward. This gift built upon a long tradition of community involvement at Bates, exemplified by earlier programs like the Bates College Community Outreach Office. The founding mission was to deeply institutionalize and expand the college's commitment to community engagement as a core component of its liberal arts education. Guided by principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit, the center aims to connect the intellectual and human resources of the college with the strengths and needs of community partners in Lewiston, Auburn, and throughout Maine.

Programs and initiatives

The center administers a wide array of programs that connect students, faculty, and staff with community organizations. Key initiatives include the Bonner Leader Program, part of the national Bonner Foundation network, which supports students in sustained, developmental community service. The Harward Center also oversees Community-Engaged Research and Community-Engaged Learning fellowships, providing funding for collaborative projects. Other signature programs include the Bates-Maine Schools Partnership, which places students as tutors and mentors in local K-12 schools, and the Purposeful Work internship program that connects civic engagement with career development. The center frequently partners with organizations like the Lewiston Public Schools, Tree Street Youth, and the Androscoggin Land Trust.

Academic integration

A primary function is the deep integration of community work into the Bates College academic curriculum. The center supports faculty across disciplines in developing Community-Engaged Learning courses, where academic study is directly linked with community-based projects. This pedagogical approach is supported by the center's staff, including Academic Liaisons who help design syllabi and identify community partners. The center also administers grants for Community-Engaged Research, facilitating scholarly collaborations that address local questions and contribute to public knowledge. This academic integration is recognized as a high-impact educational practice by organizations like the Association of American Colleges and Universities.

Community impact

The work coordinated through the center has a significant, measurable impact on the Lewiston-Auburn community and the state of Maine. Annually, hundreds of students contribute tens of thousands of hours of service through placements with over 100 community partners in areas such as education, public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Long-term partnerships, such as those with the Lewiston Public Library and the Saint Mary's Health System, have led to sustained initiatives in literacy, food security, and healthcare access. The center's emphasis on asset-based community development ensures that projects build upon existing community strengths and priorities identified by local residents and organizations.

Organizational structure

The center is led by a Director who reports to the Dean of the Faculty at Bates College, reflecting its core academic function. The staff includes associate directors focused on Community-Engaged Learning, Student Civic Engagement, and Community Partnership Development. An advisory board comprising Bates College faculty, staff, students, and community partners provides strategic guidance. The center works in close collaboration with other key college departments, including the Office of Intercultural Education, the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning, and Student Affairs. This structure ensures that community partnerships are woven into the fabric of college operations, from academic affairs to student life.

Category:Bates College Category:Organizations based in Maine Category:Community engagement organizations