ABSTRACT
The convergence of two crises in contemporary American society provides unusual opportunity for constructive response. The first crisis lies in higher education, with a need for institutions of higher learning to demonstrate a commitment and a capacity to serve the needs of society in creative and vigorous ways. Outreach scholarship, linking the intellectual resources of institutions of higher education with communities and their needs in mutually beneficial ways, represents a remarkable opportunity to revitalize the internal workings of the institution and its programs of research and teaching while contributing invaluably to the betterment of society. The successes of the past reflect the efforts of pioneers in each generation, individuals of remarkable vision, energy, and boldness who identified specific concerns and addressed them creatively and effectively. The second crisis - the multiplicity of problems confronting and confounding America's youth provides the venue for this enhanced outreach initiative, building on higher education's oldest tradition of public service.
