ABOUT C2P2
Experience, service, and shared purpose.
Community & College Partners Program connects underserved communities with colleges, universities, technical experts, and funders to turn local priorities into actionable solutions.
OUR MISSION
To help communities gain equitable access to the expertise, relationships, and resources needed to build stronger futures.
OUR HISTORY
A proven public-service model, reimagined for lasting community partnership.
C2P2 grew from Michael Burns’ experience developing the College/Underserved Community Partnership Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The nonprofit carries that collaborative model forward through community-led projects and pro bono academic support.
ORIGIN
The CUPP model takes shape
A government initiative demonstrates how colleges can help underserved communities address complex local priorities.
FORMATION
C2P2 becomes a nonprofit
The model expands through an independent 501(c)(3) organization built for long-term collaboration.
GROWTH
A national partner network develops
Communities, universities, students, agencies, and professionals join projects across multiple regions.
TODAY
50+ projects and growing
C2P2 continues turning community priorities into research, plans, designs, strategies, and fundable solutions.
HOW WE SHOW UP
Principles that guide every partnership
We show up as listeners, collaborators, and committed partners. Our work begins with respect for the knowledge, experience, and priorities that already exist within every community. We build relationships grounded in trust, transparency, shared responsibility, and open communication—bringing community leaders, colleges, professionals, and funders together around clearly defined goals. By valuing every partner’s contribution and remaining responsive as needs evolve, we create partnerships that are equitable, practical, and focused on lasting community benefit.
Community-led
Local priorities and knowledge shape the work from beginning to end.
Collaborative
Solutions are built through shared expertise, trust, and clear responsibilities.
Practical
Every engagement is designed to produce useful, actionable deliverables.
Equity-centered
We expand access to resources and expertise where barriers create limited opportunity.
LEADERSHIP & BOARD
Guided by experience across sectors.
The Board for the Community & College Partnership Program is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals committed to fostering collaboration between educational institutions and the local community. With diverse backgrounds in education, business, and community service, they bring a wealth of experience and insight to the program. Together, they work tirelessly to create opportunities for students and strengthen community ties, ensuring a brighter future for all.
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael W. Burns
Michael W. Burns is the founder and executive director of the Community and College Partners Program (C2P2), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that connects colleges, universities, and community partners to address real-world challenges.​
Chair of the Board
Rajul Pandya​
Rajul “Raj” Pandya is Executive Director and Professor of Practice at the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation at Arizona State University. He also serves as a Senior Global Futures ​​
​
View biography ​
Board Member
Steve Brett​
​Steve Brett brings more than 40 years of marketing and communications experience to helping organizations clarify their messages, articulate their value, and create more compelling content.​
​​​
View biography ​
Board Member
Quentin Pair
​​Quentin Pair is a distinguished environmental attorney and recognized authority on environmental justice. From 1980 to 2015, he served as a senior trial attorney in the Environmental Enforcement Section of the U.S.
​
Vice Chair
Jewell Harper​​​​
​Jewell A. Harper is a retired environmental attorney who dedicated 28 years to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she served as both an attorney and senior manager.
​
Board Member
JaVoyne Hicks​
JaVoyne Hicks is an accomplished attorney and seasoned leader with extensive experience in public service, organizational management, and litigation.
​
Board Member
Charlotte Bashforth​
Charlotte Bashforth is a seasoned executive, board member, and trusted advisor with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations strengthen governance ...
​
Board Member
Bruce Holmes​
Bruce Holmes is a business executive, media producer, and former public official with a lifelong commitment to service and community advancement.​​
​
​
OUR PARTNER NETWORK
Progress is built together.
Colleges & Universities
Faculty and students contribute research, planning, design, and technical expertise.
community organizations
Local leaders define priorities, guide the work, and connect projects to residents.
public agencies
Government partners contribute knowledge, programs, coordination, and resources.
professional partners
Experts, associations, and pro bono collaborators strengthen project teams.