CU’s outreach across the state showcased in new initiative
Yet CU’s presence is felt in communities small and large all across the state.
In an effort to make that a top-of-mind point for more Coloradans, CU President Bruce Benson has introduced CU For Colorado, an initiative that promotes awareness of more than 230 University of Colorado outreach programs.
The effort’s most visible platform is a new website that gathers searchable information on outreach work across the CU system. The Office of Academic Affairs, along with University Relations, worked with the campuses to identify programs; faculty and staff are invited to suggest additions by filling out this form.
“Every day, our faculty and staff are sharing knowledge and expertise with communities all across the state,” Benson said. “CU For Colorado will serve as a powerful indicator of how we’re working together with the public to improve the economy, health and culture of Colorado.”
The programs compiled within CU For Colorado reflect the four pillars that encompass all of the university’s activities:
- Learning and teaching: CU provides educational opportunities, training and resources for partnerships with P-20 students and teachers, and Colorado’s other higher education institutions. Examples include the Center for STEM Education, the CU Pre-Collegiate Development Programs and CU Succeed.
- Discovery and innovation: CU research addresses compelling needs in Colorado and beyond. It also creates new companies and jobs and helps drive the state’s economy. Examples: the Colorado Water and Energy Research Center, the El Pomar Institute for Innovation and Commercialization and the Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels.
- Community and culture: CU brings arts, cultural and social programs to communities and works in partnership with them to promote the pursuit of knowledge. Examples: Boots to Suits, Center of the American West and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Schools.
- Health and wellness: CU offers health and clinical care, educational resources, opportunities in research studies, and wellness initiatives to communities throughout the state. Examples: the Colorado Area Health Education Centers, CU Mini Med School and the CU Mammogram Van.
The website’s searchable, sortable database showcases programs by region, by program type and by home campus. Individual program entries provide links to other CU sites for more information.
Stories about the people and places benefiting from CU outreach are featured on the website and also on the CU For Colorado Facebook and Twitter sites. Other marketing material, including logo signage for use at outreach sites, is being developed.
Benson has begun touting the effort, having written about it in his most recent newsletter and speaking about it at an appearance last week in Grand Junction.
“We want more people in Colorado to know about the valuable services CU provides,” Benson said.
If you have questions about or suggestions for the CU For Colorado database, email outreach@cu.edu.