How to Launch a UPals program

Initiated by a college or university, a UPals program brings momentum for change to any community, and it’s not a herculean task to bring all the constituents together. The first step starts with creating a collaborative community group. The Private/ Public Partnership begins with the University. They are the lynchpin- without the support of the higher education facility; there is no vision of the future. Once a university or college is engaged, the other partners are eager to join.

Geography is a key determining factor. Is there an underserved population in the community? Is attracting under-served students to college an important goal for the school district or community? Almost always, the answer is yes. School superintendents, guidance counselors, community clergy and parents all know which children to channel to college. Reaching out to them is key.

Is there an active Chamber of Commerce? The business community is a silent engine pushing for the best in their community. They are invested in creating a sophisticated workforce to meet the needs of the increasingly complex business environment.

Next step — Engage UPals Partners

UPals Partners pulls all of your community groups together to launch the program.

UPals Partners has the program in a box. We offer each community a complete "plug and play" program which accounts for each detail, down to a suggested menu for the summer program. UPals partners works with your representatives to customize a program that works for YOUR community. We also provide the pro-forma budget so that all members of the private/public partnership carry a piece of the cost.

Each UPals program starts in February and runs through August. Pre-implementation tasks take less than a few weeks. After the initial launch, a one week program is added each subsequent year for returning students.

UPals Partners is guided by its Board of Directors which oversees the strategic direction of the organization in its national expansion. An Advisory Board supports UPals Partners in its content and program offering. Operationally, UPals Partners is managed by a small group of passionate women and men, focused on the administration and program coordination of UPals programs nationwide.