| This is a case study of a federal government early intervention program, Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (Greater Buffalo GEAR-UP Program). The GEAR-UP Program is a tripartite partnership/collaboration between the Buffalo and Lackawanna Public Schools; higher education, private industry and or/select community based organizations.; The study focuses on understanding the various elements and characteristics required within a partnership to ensure success. The study also investigates the extent to which institutions such of public education and higher education, private industry and/or community based organizations are effective in fostering partnership relationships, through the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness For Undergraduates Programs (Greater Buffalo GEAR-UP Program). This research further investigates why public schools, higher education, private industry, and/or select community organizations enter into partnerships/collaborations, and how these partnerships/collaborations are structured.; The researcher utilizes a case study method to determine the perceptions of the partners participating in this tripartite partnership/collaboration. This study of the GEAR-UP Program presents data from individual partners participating in the program through a multiplicity of methods including the use of in-depth interviews, document analysis, and participant observations.; This research provides valuable information for individuals and groups seeking to develop partnerships/collaborations. Unfortunately, the researcher located very limited information regarding specific models, such as tripartite partnerships/collaborations between public schools, private industry and higher education. This study helps to expand the knowledge base on how establishing partnerships/collaborations between public schools, higher education and private industry and/or select community based organizations can be extremely helpful in providing assistance to potential graduates and teachers, and can even assist in renewing educational practices in public schools and higher education. |
