South SFV Today

Stanford University recently held a ceremony on March 18 to honor collaborations and a faculty member for their contributions in connecting university research and teaching with local community needs. The event, organized by the Office of Community Engagement, highlighted the efforts of various partnerships that have made significant impacts in the Bay Area.

The Community Partnership Awards were presented to three collaborations: Ayudando Latinos a Soñar and the Stanford Immigrant Child Health Program, the Partnership to Prevent and Reduce Adolescent Tobacco and Other Drug Use, and the Stanford-Sequoia K-12 Research Collaborative. These initiatives focus on improving community well-being, youth mental health, and educational outcomes.

Mark Duggan, a professor of economics at Stanford, received the Miriam Aaron Roland Volunteer Service Prize for his work in mentoring students to apply economic principles to real-world issues. "Public service has always been core to Stanford," stated Provost Jenny Martinez. "I am inspired by the work of our faculty and students with partners in the local community."

Duggan's initiatives include establishing an undergraduate research assistant program at SIEPR, integrating service into research, and launching the California Policy Research Initiative. He also worked with the Haas Center for Public Service to provide government internships through the Cardinal Quarter program.

Patrick Dunkley, vice provost for institutional equity, access, and community, presented the awards which recognize projects demonstrating excellence in meeting needs, creatively connecting campus and community, and engaging students and staff in service.

Ayudando Latinos a Soñar and the Stanford Immigrant Child Health Program received recognition for supporting immigrant children's mental health. Their partnership began as a clinical collaboration in Half Moon Bay in 2020.

The Partnership to Prevent and Reduce Adolescent Tobacco and Other Drug Use was acknowledged for providing free training to educators in San Mateo County since 2017. The initiative has reached 40,000 students over seven years.

The Stanford-Sequoia K-12 Research Collaborative has partnered with nine school districts since 2016 to integrate research into practice. One project led to changes in math placement policies after identifying challenges faced by English learners.

“These awards applaud commitment and, in some cases, life-changing initiatives,” said Martin Shell, vice president and chief external relations officer. “True progress came about because our Stanford community and our neighbors came together.”