The Partners for Learning program engages Nazareth students in partnerships with the children, teachers, and staff of seven urban sites: School #2, School #4, School #12, School #36, the Lewis Street YMCA, Southwest Community Center, and Hope Hall. These partnerships are designed to help raise the academic performance and educational aspirations of the children, while heightening the social awareness and sharpening the professional skills of Nazareth students.

The Partners work in classrooms at School #4, School #36, and Hope Hall with small groups or one-on-one with students, and their work is usually assigned and supervised by individual teachers.

The Lewis Street Center, Southwest Community Center, School #2 and School #34 programs provide Partners with the experience of an after-school tutoring program. Nazareth students work one-on-one with students who have been recommended by teachers for extra help in specific areas. Partners get experience in planning and developing materials necessary for tutoring.

Nazareth students are required to attend workshops and reflection groups each semester. These cover a variety of topics which relate to issues that are pertinent to the work, such as: discipline in the classrooms, diversity issues, and teacher's experiences. This format includes input from Nazareth faculty, teachers and administrators from sites, and opportunity for small group discussions.

Nazareth students who serve in the Partners for Learning Program are compensated through federal work study and college employment funds.

Partners Council

The Partners Council consists of experienced Partners who assist in the leadership of the program. The Council members:

• help with orientation of the new Partners to the program.
• work with the Program Supervisor and Coordinator regarding staffing assignments.
• review the goals of the Partners for Learning program.
• give input for reflection groups and workshops.
• work together to resolve issues concerning Partners.
• communicate with Program supervisor and Coordinator, Partners, teachers, and administrators as appropriate.