Higher Education’s Anchor Mission: A Sharpened Imperative & A Framework for Action

Posted by Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities on August 16, 2022

Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) and its partners at the Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) recently published a paper featuring work from CUMU member institutions related to the CUMU Anchor Learning Network. In the report Drexel University identifies the anchor mission as a key component of their civic engagement mission.

The paper outlines the three anchor mission strategies of inclusive local, hiring; place-based investing; and impact purchasing. The authors, Julia Anderson and David Zuckerman, note in the introduction, “Facilitating a more rapid and effective adoption of the anchor mission across the sector requires more than the recognition of one’s rootedness and impact on the community. It necessitates a shared vision in the field of higher education for creating more equitable economies by prioritizing the needs of local, long-term, and low-income residents.”

Read the report.


More in "New Resources"


Stay Current in Philly's Higher Education and Nonprofit Sector

We compile a weekly email with local events, resources, national conferences, calls for proposals, grant, volunteer and job opportunities in the higher education and nonprofit sectors.