This session examines how intentional university-community partnerships can support economic growth using asset-based development and practical service models. Drawing from North Carolina A&T’s 2025 Community & Economic Engagement Summit, presenters will show how institutions such as HBCUs and PWIs can collaborate to strengthen local economies by promoting genuine community wealth building rather than short-term charitable efforts.

The session highlights approaches that focus on existing community strengths and resources, leading to long-lasting improvements and informed policy efforts. Using case studies from NCAT and Wake Forest University, participants will explore how platforms like GivePulse and the Carnegie framework can track measurable outcomes related to asset development.

Overall, this model demonstrates how universities can function as anchor partners that contribute to community progress through steady, mutually beneficial collaboration guided by locally defined priorities and economic goals.