CUMU Conference 2019

An underpinning of the anchor mission in higher education is cross-sector collaboration. This presentation features a regional alliance in the New York City metropolitan area fostering precisely that. The Anchor Opportunity Network (“AON”) assists stakeholders to create sustainable partnerships that leverage assets collectively to drive inclusive economic growth. AON convenes public, private, and nonprofit organizations to counter the proclivity to create institutional and public policies in isolation. Rather, it promotes shared learning, coordinated advocacy, and capacity development, replacing endemic isolation with the resources of a network to promote more equitable and strategic investments in underserved communities.

AON’s early impact will be described via two cases: an urban university doing anchor work and a hospital-housing authority partnership, which are among regional collaborators working on cross-sector best practices.

The Vita Health and Wellness initiative harnesses the power of collective action to catalyze Stamford, Connecticut’s commitment to healthful living, reducing health disparities while addressing the social determinants of health. A health-themed neighborhood with a thriving, socially responsible organic farm at its heart, Vita has replaced distressed public housing projects with self-sustaining mixed income communities and an aging hospital with a new, state-of-the art teaching hospital. It features revitalized parks, farm-to-table classes, and a neighborhood association that helps shape the neighborhood to the benefit of all.

Rutgers University – Newark’s anchor work is well known in higher education, grounded in a strategic plan embracing the anchor mission as central.

Representatives of each will discuss their anchor work, AON’s collective effort to create region-wide impact.