Urban Universities Investing In Their Neighborhoods Is A US Trend

After sowing investment in their locales, a growing number of universities in urban centers are reaping vibrant near-campus districts.

1 minute read

January 9, 2006, 11:00 AM PST

By David Gest

Making a commitment to improve their surrounding areas is leading many urban campuses to improved enrollments. The University of Pennsylvania over the last 10 years, along with private developers, has invested over a billion dollars in area schools, housing and business. Penn also has worked to insure that its local community and minority companies share in the success.

"Penn is at the forefront of a national trend of urban colleges that are aggressively trying to bridge 'town-gown' tensions by investing heavily in adjacent troubled neighborhoods -- and by making a connection with local civic life. Since Penn launched its efforts in 1996, officials from more than 100 schools have made pilgrimages to study how it transformed a decaying neighborhood with a thriving drug traffic into a vibrant college community."

Thanks to CollegeTownLife.com

FULL STORY: Urban Colleges Learn to Be Good Neighbors

Monday, January 9, 2006 in The Washington Post

Community / Economic Development United States

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