About the Anchor Learning Network (ALN)
Founded by the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU), the Anchor Learning Network (ALN) is designed to facilitate a more rapid and effective advancement of the anchor mission within member institutions, in home communities, and across the higher education sector.
By leveraging a peer learning framework, ALN members systematically transform higher education to fully serve its public mission and advance the long-term social, economic, and physical health of our campuses and communities.
Anchor Dashboard
Framework
To help higher-education institutions further their anchor missions and focus initiatives in high-impact areas, Buffalo State, along with the other initial Anchor Learning Network cohorts, developed a framework for tackling community development and measuring and evaluating the outcomes of university initiatives.
Anchor Mission Dashboard (PDF)Categories
- Economic Development
- Education
- Community Building
- Health, Safety, and the Environment
Universal Metrics
Within these respective categories, the dashboard highlights key universal metrics that can help universities focus their efforts and evaluate their success.
For example, key metrics for economic development initiatives would include several new businesses launched through university incubator programs or procurement dollars allocated toward local, minority, and women-owned businesses.
Resources
Featured Resources
- SUNY Buffalo State Anchor Mission Recommendations
- An Introduction to the Higher-Ed Anchor Mission
- Examples of Anchor Work at Other Colleges
- Bank Smart! Bank w/ CDFIs
Specialized Resources
Institutionalization Of Anchor
- Learn Tools to Better Communicate the Anchor Mission
- Learn How to Launch Anchor Collaboratives
- A Framework for Engaging Students In the Anchor Mission
- Buffalo State As An Anchor Institution
Economic Development
- Learn About the Tremendous Impact of Leveraging Endowments
- Asset-Based Approaches to Solving Social & Economic Problems
- Learn About Strategies for Financing the Inclusive Economy
- Information on CDFIs
Education
Community Development