Building Partnerships

Regardless of size, scale, or mission and vision, all STEM Centers require strong and diverse partnerships for success. It is important to build both internal and external partners, consider the evolution of partnerships, and allow for the organic development of explicit strategies for partnership that build on synergies and provide value to all partners. Below are a set of considerations when creating new partnerships for STEM Centers.

Seeking and cultivating collaborations should reflect knowledge of both the vision and mission of the center as well as knowing the needs of the stakeholders and potential participants in the activities of the center. Stated differently, the mission should inform what organizations or which individuals you seek to collaborate with. Effective collaborations support the center's mission and provide focus which can keep the center on track. One of the results of collaboration can be connections to other university activities that have overlap with the center's mission and can lead to constructive interactions that lead to future collaborations.

Identify Partners Aligned with Vision and Mission

A center's vision and mission shape the kinds of partnership and collaborations that will be useful or necessary to achieve success.

Develop Partnerships

Partnership development is a process that takes time, personal connection, trust, shared goals, and mutual benefit and should be considered relationship building.

Maintain Partnerships

Partnerships are dynamic in nature and it is necessary to continually evaluate the relationships and identify the evolution of the partnerships.

Resources

Creating and Maintaining Partnerships, The Community Tool Box, University of Kansas

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