ABSTRACT
To stimulate academic institutions to think even more comprehensively about community development issues, this chapter provides examples of universities and colleges that are undertaking a range of approaches to community development issues. Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which grew out of the need in the African American community to prepare freed slaves to assist their communities, have launched impressive community development programs with institutional support. The American Planning Association has traditionally convened panels at its annual conference to highlight the efforts of academic institutions. Community development partners have neither the time nor the funds to take three or four years to pursue college degrees. Community-based organizations are "tied" of being studied to death. The demand for information and research that will move the community along and allow community development partners to pursue practical agendas must be given serious consideration.
