Saginaw Valley State University & City of Saginaw: Forming New Ties for the Future

Institutions of higher learning (IHLs) are usually perceived as places for students and faculty to advance their understanding of curricula. Universities and colleges have also often been thought of as places that can assist in community development. The objective of this paper is to study community service outreach centers / programs by institutions of higher learning (IHLs) in the communities of Detroit, Flint, and Grand Rapids, Michigan; and examine the feasibility of a community service outreach center in Saginaw, Michigan. The study will outline current programs sponsored by Saginaw Valley State University, and Saginaw-based community organizations that would benefit from a community service outreach center. The study will finally identify the needs, and best practices for creating a center in Saginaw, Michigan