Duke University
PAE-19: Community Sustainability Partnerships

Duke is committed to enhancing and drawing from the communities of which it is a member. The Office of Durham and Regional Affairs administers Duke University's relations with Durham and the Research Triangle region, including but not limited to local government, the Research Triangle Park, Durham public schools, and area colleges and universities. By strengthening partnerships with area organizations and businesses, the Office seeks to accelerate the economic renewal in downtown Durham and to help ensure future innovation and growth in the region. The Office oversees the activities of the Office of Community Affairs and its Duke-Durham Neighborhood Partnership. Three high-priority challenges identified for Duke, all of which contribute to sustainability objectives, are:
 
Priority One: Economic development and revitalization in downtown Durham, areas near the campus, and areas near the downtown periphery.

 Priority Two: Disconnected youth: Poverty, unemployment, and dropout rates among Durham youth aged 16-24 are the highest in the Triangle region.

 Priority Three: Durham Public Schools: Challenges include student and school performance, end-of-grade test scores, drop-out rates, teacher turnover, and lack of resources to support the growing Spanish-speaking population within the schools. Additionally, Duke University’s Office of Community Affairs directly coordinates the Duke-Durham Neighborhood Partnership. The Partnership, which was formed in 1996, works to improve quality of life and educational achievement in the 12 neighborhoods closest to campus. There are also several student-run initiatives that are promoting sustainability and environmental education in the community surrounding Duke. For instance, Wilderness Outdoor Opportunities for Durham Students (WOODS) is a program that is run by Duke students promoting nature and environmental experiential education in the Durham area. The goal of WOODS is not only to educate the children they work with, but to help them gain a sense of self-worth and build their self-esteem. Aspects of ecology, the environment, and basic natural principles are taught through team building exercises, games, and spending time outdoors. Duke also organizes, promotes and participates in countless other community events that contribute to sustainability. For instance, at least twice a year Duke organizes and promotes e-waste recycling days at several locations within the triangle area, where community members can drop off e-waste items to be properly recycled.