Five community college associate degree nursing programs ventured into new ways of teaching and, at the same time, meeting community needs in projects supported by AACC and seed money from the Metropolitan Life Foundation from January 1995 through January 1996. From an applicant pool of 85 colleges, the five selected institutions shaped initiatives that would address community needs and demonstrated strong partnerships with local health care providers. In all, they featured community service, service learning, community development, curriculum development, student recruitment and retention, and other activities. 

Specifically, the colleges established programs for rural health screening, home health nursing, and a mobile nurse-managed health center. The grants allowed colleges to try out brand new ideas, or to implement plans that had been brewing for some time. 

College nursing faculty reported that the community enthusiasm for the projects was common, that collaboration inside the college and out was crucial, that students experienced personal and professional growth, and that the community relationships would continue. 

All five projects had significant financial support from their colleges and community partners, and all of the projects continued beyond the grant period. 

**Visit AACC's Bookstore to purchase copies of Community Outreach in Associate Degree Nursing Programs and Reaching Out: Associate Degree Nursing Programs at Work.