Partnership begins when fences come down. The University Park Partnership (UPP) demonstrates what can be accomplished when a university and a community work together to create social change. UPP incorporates the best of both worlds‹the commitment of neighborhood residents, the resources and expertise of a university and the guidance of a community development corporation. It incorporates change across a spectrum of elements essential to health, thriving communities‹housing, education, economic development, social and recreational activities and civic engagement. With this approach comes confidence that current and future positive change in Main South is here to stay.

In its work with UPP, Clark has redefined the role of higher education institutions in their communities and set a new standard for university/community partnership. It is no longer enough to sit behind wrought-iron fences. Real partnership only begins when those fences come down.