LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Center for Human Services Research
Education Team, School of Social Welfare, University at Albany upon the
occasion of being selected to receive the 2014 University at Albany
President's Award for Exemplary Community Engagement on April 25, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Center for Human Services Research Education Team, School of Social
Welfare, University at Albany in partnership with the City School
District of Albany upon the occasion of being selected to receive the
2014 University at Albany President's Award for Exemplary Community
Engagement, which was celebrated at an Award Ceremony at the University
at Albany, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed award honors University at Albany-community
partnerships which are enhancing public well-being in the Capital Region
and beyond; their community engagement is a collaboration between higher
education institutions and external partners in the mutually beneficial
exchange of knowledge and resources to address areas of public need; and
WHEREAS, For the past seven years, the Center for Human Services
Research Education Team, School of Social Welfare and the City School
District of Albany have collaborated on evaluations, grant writing and
other technical assistance to support the district's systemic reform
efforts; and
WHEREAS, A major achievement has been securing, implementing, and
evaluating a significant amount of funds in grant projects designed to
better the education and support services to students and their fami-
lies; with this funding, the district has restructured Albany High
School into four theme-based magnet academies, and improved afterschool
supports and enrichment programs for students; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Center for Human Services Research Education
Team, School of Social Welfare and the City School District of Albany's
collaboration has also helped strengthen data-driven decision making to
improve programs and student achievement; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1991, the Center for Human Services Research
has addressed the needs of many agencies for evaluation research, infor-
mation system design, and policy and program development; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Center for Human Services Research serves as
the data support and evaluation team for The Albany Promise Cradle-to-
Career Partnership, a cross-sector initiative involving hundreds of area
leaders to improve educational outcomes for students in the City of
Albany; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when indi-
viduals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Center for Human Services Research Education Team, School of
Social Welfare, University at Albany upon the occasion of being selected
to receive the 2014 University at Albany President's Award for Exemplary
Community Engagement on April 25, 2014; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Center for Human Services Research Education Team, School
of Social Welfare, University at Albany.