Community-Campus Collaboration is an Opportunity to Build Long-Lasting and Successful Partnerships
These partnerships provide major benefits for both Manhattan College students and for the organizations that employ them.
Through the years, community engagement has enriched both Manhattan College and the surrounding Bronx neighborhoods that it serves. These partnerships strengthen and transform both the lives of students and the participating organizations and agencies. 
On March 30, the College will be holding an event called Celebrating Community-Campus Collaboration, an opportunity for students, faculty and community partners to discuss future partnerships and receive valuable information about getting involved in the process. The event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. and will be held in Squeri Hall’s Smith Auditorium. Celebrating Community-Campus Collaboration is part of the yearlong celebration of Manhattan College’s 100 years in the Riverdale section of the Bronx.
The celebration will start with a panel discussion from 3 to 4 p.m. and will feature faculty, students and representatives from two of Manhattan’s closest partner organizations, Fordham Bedford Community Services (FBCS ) and Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC). The panel will discuss community engaged learning courses, federal work study opportunities, paid jobs, the Lasallian Outreach Collaborative (LOCo), volunteer opportunities and potential internships. The conversation will focus on how to build strong, lasting partnerships.
From 4.to 5 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to network and meet community partners, faculty interested in community engagement, and students who have already participated and are interested in sharing their experiences. Students will have the opportunity to talk with local nonprofit organization leaders seeking to hire for full-time jobs after graduation. Appetizers and drinks will be provided.
“Community engagement is a rich opportunity for students to learn about themselves, explore potential careers and understand the different life experiences of others,” said Margaret Groarke, Ph.D., professor of political science and coordinator of Community Engaged Learning. “Time and again, students have told us how their community experience changed their lives.”
FBCS provides social services to families in Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation buildings and the surrounding community. Kingsbridge Heights Community Center provides a variety of youth services, adult and family services and nutrition and food access programs in the community. LOCo is a weekly community service program that partners student volunteers with local community-based organizations in the Bronx and the greater New York City area.
The event is sponsored by Manhattan College office of Campus Ministry & Social Action, Manhattan College Community Engaged Learning Program, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center and Fordham Bedford Community Services. The event is possible thanks to the Spring 2023 Civic Imagination Grant from Partners for Campus Community Engagement.
Panelists include:
Kadijah Caban, administrative director, KHCC; Caleb John '23, student worker at KHCC; Jamie Lee Robbins ’24 intern at Concourse House; Michael Grabowski, chair, Communication department; Lois Harr, adjunct instructor, religious studies; Caesar Tobar-Acosta, volunteer and food pantry manager, KHCC; Norsy Jimenez, director of social services, FBCS; Karla Ortiz, ’19, elementary school teacher who works with FBCS.
Click here to RSVP. For more information contact Margaret Groarke, Ph.D., coordinator of community-engaged learning, at margaret.groarke@manhattan.edu or Jacquie Martin, assistant director of community engagement and partnerships, Campus Ministry & Social Action at jmartin02@manhattan.edu.