ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates how the Fordham Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) model attempts to operationalize in its curriculum and put into practice in its research the multifaceted idea of university-community partnerships. Fordham University's doctoral specialization in applied developmental psychology was formally initiated in the fall of 1989 following several years of study and planning. Fordham students are trained to consider how formal mechanisms can be incorporated into a project that empowers communities-of-interest to continue activities on their own or with continuing but altered university support. The thread of community is woven through the entire fabric of the Fordham graduate students education. In the Fordham Applied Developmental Psychology model people have transformed the idea of best practices into a Weberian ideal-type, which means that best practices can provide standards for, and insights into, the goals and reasons for our collaboration with communities.
