Community Partnerships

Drake University partners with local organizations to enhance capacity, enrich student learning, and leverage resources reflective of Drake's commitment to strengthen the local community.

"Together we transform lives and strengthen communities." 

Drake University Inspiration Statement

The Continuous Improvement Plan calls upon faculty, staff, and students to strengthen our strategic engagement with community partners, which may be public, community-based, private, or academic organizations at the neighborhood, city, regional, or state levels. Registering as a partner helps Drake recognize and steward community relationships, promoting collaboration across campus.

Drake offers the following pathways to partnership with nonprofit and community-based organizations: 

Affiliate Partners

• Requirements: Active participation with student organizations or a campus department
• Benefits: Unlimited volunteer postings and student, faculty, and staff volunteer opportunities

Engaged Partners

• Requirements: Affiliate requirements listed above and ongoing shared commitment(s) or internships/placements with an academic course or student organization
• Benefits:
  • All affiliate benefits listed above
  • Added capacity from interns and/or federal work study
  • Internship/practicum placements 
  • CEL course collaborations 
  • Student leadership opportunities 
  • Faculty research opportunities

Strategic Partners

• Requirements: All requirements listed above along with shared commitments across multiple campus units addressing community-identified needs and partnering for systemic/structural change
• Benefits:
  • All benefits listed above
  • Cross-promotional and collaborative marketing and fundraising opportunities
  • Faculty and staff leadership opportunities
  • Capacity to meet shared needs aligned with campus-identified strategic priorities