Durham Public Schools Partnership Engagement Application
Durham Public Schools (DPS) welcomes and values the integral role external organizations play in developing the academic, college/career readiness, health and wellness, and social-emotional needs of our students. The programs and services provided by external partners strengthen school-community relations and support stakeholder engagement in our schools.
Definition of Community Partnership
A community partnership is an agreement between a school and an outside group whose goals align with the DPS Strategic Plan 2023-2028 to meet a meaningful academic, college/career readiness, or socio-emotional need for its students. Additionally, the partnership serves as a relationship that increases student growth and development.
The DPS Partnership Engagement Application
The DPS Partnership Engagement Application is designed to create formal and ongoing relationships with established entities such as businesses, faith-based organizations, civic and government agencies, educational institutions, and other community/grassroot organizations, who have agreed to work collaboratively with DPS.
If your organization or business offers a product or service that requires funding, you may qualify as a vendor and should not complete the DPS Partnership Engagement Application.
To register as a vendor with Durham Public Schools, please use the DPS Vendor Registration Link. Once approved, you can contact a DPS principal to discuss the potential use of your services and determine the next steps.
External organizations interested in becoming an established partner with Durham Public Schools must complete the DPS Partnership Engagement Application and meet the following Partnership Criteria.
Partnership Criteria | |
|---|---|
Program Support Areas | Characteristics |
Academics: Tutoring, academic and/or language interventions | • The relationship is built through a DPS department or school. • There is a formal and documented agreement between all parties (district, school, and organization). • The programs, services or resources are linked to the district’s strategic priorities and outcomes. • Deliverables must be jointly defined between the partner, collaborating department or school and Community Engagement Department. • The partner is an established organization with programs/services that are aligned with the identified DPS support areas. |
Social Emotional Learning: Mentoring, SEL interventions | |
Work-based Learning: Internships, shadowing, technical education, STEM, STEAM, engineering, and arts-related programs | |
Postsecondary Attainment & Persistence: College and career-focused programs | |
Health & Wellness: Sports, physical activities, mental health, wellness, and quality of life programs/services | |
Enhancement of Social, Civic, or Family Life: Leadership, character building, family engagement, and socio-economic development programs | |
Enhancement of School Life: Includes supports for teachers, staff, students, families, and school facilities | |
Role of the School or District Department in Partnership Engagement
Schools or departments may identify potential partners and direct interested organizations to complete the Partnership Engagement Application for approval before beginning the partnership in the school(s) or department.
Schools or departments should identify a designee to serve as the partnership contact for their school or department. The designee will serve as the liaison between the school(s)/department and the approved partner(s) as well as the Department of Community Engagement.
Schools or departments must meet with approved partner(s) at the beginning of the partnership to establish desired program outcomes and create a timeline for reviewing progress toward program outcomes including review of data and monitoring of student progress and adjusting the program as needed.
Schools or departments must participate in the annual IMPACT survey.
Role of the Department of Community Engagement in Partnership Engagement
Support schools or departments in identifying partnerships.
Review and approve completed Partnership Engagement Applications.
Host on-boarding sessions for approved partners monthly
Distribute annual IMPACT Survey in April to determine the effectiveness of the partnership
Partnership Engagement Application Review Process
Step 1: Vet the Partnership Engagement Application |
The Department of Community Engagement will review the completed Partnership Engagement Application to confirm if the partner meets the DPS Eligibility Criteria. Characteristics of Eligibility of Criteria
|
Step 2: Determine the nature of partnership |
Level of partnership engagement
|
Step 3: Create formal DPS Partnership Agreement |
The Department of Community Engagement will work with the Chief of Staff and the potential partner to establish the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for on-going commitment applicants. |
Step 4: On-board Partner to DPS |
The Department of Community Engagement will provide an orientation of DPS services to the partner including reviewing the MOA. |
Monitoring & Measuring Impact
Schools and/or departments meet with approved partner(s) at the beginning of the partnership to establish desired program outcomes and create a timeline for reviewing progress toward program outcomes including review of data and monitoring of student progress and adjusting program needs.
The Office of Community Engagement will distribute an annual IMPACT Survey in April to determine the effectiveness of the partnership. Both the school(s)/department and approved partner must complete the annual IMPACT Survey.
Contact Us at (919) 560-2000