New technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), worry many people. Some fear AI may lead, at best, to substantial job losses or, at worst, to the end of the human race. The emergence of new technologies in the past resulted in similar fears. Think back to the invention of automobiles. People worried speeding cars would kill everyone and the economy would crash due to the loss of carriage makers and blacksmith jobs. Instead, that first automobile vastly improved our mobility and quality of life, leading to an immense array of new, never-before dreamed-of jobs building and maintaining cars, trains, and airplanes.

There would be far less fear of progress if the smartest among us made recommendations, developed regulations, and trained people to use new technologies, like AI, wisely and involved members of the communities surrounding them in those processes. That’s one reason why it makes sense to forge more meaningful connections between higher learning institutions and the communities near them. Campus-community connections benefit everyone, from those institutions and their students to local businesses and community residents.

Communities that work closely with institutions of higher learning flourish, reaping endless benefits. Fresh ideas, current knowledge, creativity, and youthful enthusiasm flows into neighborhoods and local workplaces when college staff and students integrate into community settings. This often breathes new life into efforts to solve old problems.

Industries benefit by developing a pipeline of proven talent. Students bring new energy into the workplace, inspire employees, and motivate them to try new things. Mentoring the next generation of workers also increases employee pride in their work and company.

Communities provide new settings where colleges can apply their expertise and leadership practically and constructively. New community-based learning laboratory settings often attract more students to campuses, which can quickly lead to a more extensive and diverse student body. These connections also bond people living and working in the community more closely with the campus, and all it offers.

College students studying and working in local communities can test-drive their passions in real-life settings before settling on a specialization. Experiencing real-world applications of their classroom lessons is invaluable.

Students develop a deeper understanding of workforce expectations and the contributions they can make. Many encounter career opportunities they never thought possible. A lot establish meaningful relationships within their chosen field and a substantial resume with impactful references from industry professionals that carry more weight with future employers.

Little is more important than preparing thoughtful, responsible, committed citizens. They strengthen communities, build on past successes and help overcome today’s challenges. Campus-guided community-based workforce experiences can give students a sense of pride and inspiration, ignite their imaginations, and instill a sense of citizenship more than classroom experiences alone can. These experiences can significantly expand their perception of the meaning of work, transferrable skills, and people’s place in their communities.

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s Local Economic Development committee understands we can shape our communities by helping to mobilize the resources of higher learning institutions surrounding us and building stronger collaborations with them. The LED is committed to being a part of the solution by helping strengthen campus-community bonds. They can be transformational for everyone living, working, and studying in our local communities.

Patty Hammond is Economic Development Coordinator at the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. The Local Economic Development (LED) Initiative is a standing committee of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF). Send comments or suggestions to Patty Hammond at phammond@nccfoundation.org