ABSTRACT
This chapter provides examples of leaders collaborating with funding sources and networks to provide additional resources and support, as well as leaders connecting with colleges and businesses to facilitate student success. It also provides many examples of leaders who are deeply connected to their communities to provide authentic, meaningful, work opportunities for their students. The chapter highlights several leadership practices observed in the authors' journey that show how innovative, future-ready schools engage in relationships with external partners that benefit their students. The most important external leadership role of principals and other administrators is working with families. Through their public engagement efforts, students contribute meaningfully to advancing equity in the moment and also build the long-term understanding and connections that foster deep roots with the community. Whether learning partnerships are with funding sources, networks, local businesses, or nearby nonprofits, the school leaders that the authors met were open, and even assertive, about seeking these external collaborations.
