The CLUS connects the expertise of our affiliate scholars and student fellows to the community through research and partnerships to build capacity for local business, civic, government, and nonprofit partners.
Cumberland County Food System Alliance
The CLUS provides administrative support for the Cumberland County Food System Alliance. This organization was formed in 2018 by the Partnership for Better Health through a series of roundtable discussions with partner organizations. The purpose of the CCFSA is to develop a sustainable local food system that promotes economic vitality, increases food security, promotes wellness and advances community resilience.The CLUS provides support to the CCFSA through planning and facilitated discussions to assist CCFSA in achieving its goals.
South Mountain Research Corps & Science Summit
The South Mountain Region connects portions of Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, and York counties in south central Pennsylvania. The South Mountain Partnership (SMP) is a regional, landscape-scale conservation network in one of seven Conservation Landscapes identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The CLUS is involved in many initiatives of SMP, including serving on the Leadership Committee and participating in the capacity building initiative through the Chesapeake Bay Trust.
In addition to these efforts, the CLUS provides administrative support for the South Mountain Research Corps and Science Summit. This pilot initiative endeavors to build an implementable, collaborative research program that supports the existing and emerging natural and cultural resource conservation efforts of land owners and land managers throughout the South Mountain landscape.
Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association
In 2018, the CLUS and SU Department of Marketing and Communication helped the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association (CCWA) celebrate 30 years of leading matters that affect the health and welfare of the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed. In this collaboration, the CLUS and CCWA developed an interactive map, “A Long Way with Many Bends”. This visual story shares the cumulative result of 30 years of CCWA inspired watershed partnerships and another product of 150 years of high-quality student learning experiences at Shippensburg University. This resource is being used to develop the K-12 curriculum and to support recreation.
Student and Faculty Support
The CLUS fosters experiences for students to develop diverse skills and connections that prepare them to pursue meaningful career pathways. We support initiatives, research projects, events, and partnerships that provide unique opportunities, and provide mentorship to develop knowledge and tools for success. Exciting initiatives that we support on campus include the Brew Science Program, Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, and Campus Climate Commitment.
We are dedicated to supporting our Affiliate Scholars in their academic pursuits. We support scholars through proposal development, grant writing and administration, and supporting interdisciplinary collaborations. Our talented students support faculty research projects through data analysis and compilation, and generating deliverables.