As we enter a new academic year, it’s worth pausing to take stock of our accomplishments this past year. At the base level, we placed 25 students in Oregon communities through the RARE program, engaged 20 students in five projects for the 2015 CPW course, had 10 summer interns, and worked on dozens of projects throughout the state.  That’s what we did, but does it make a difference?

The short answer is yes.  The CSC continues to have positive impact on our clients. As part of our year annual activities, we conduct an online survey of our clients. This year we received 34 responses from about 50 client communities. Following is a brief summary of the findings, with an emphasis on our economic impacts:

• Eighty percent of our clients had previously worked with the Community Service Center
• Clients reported that our efforts had led to creation or retention of 94 jobs. Many clients reported that they were unable to estimate job creation and retention; thus the actual impact may be higher.
• Four of the clients indicated that the project resulted in investment of private capital. The total for three of the projects was $164,000; one client reported that the project might result in a capital investment of $15 million. Several other clients reported they were unable to estimate private investment but that private investment had occurred.
• 10 clients reported that the project resulted in additional public sector investment. Total public investment as a result of our projects was reported at $1,331,000.
• Eight of the 14 reporting clients indicated that the project had resulted in action on their or others part.
• 13 of 14 reporting clients (93% of those responding to this question) reported that the project achieved the intended results.
• 93% of clients reported their interaction with CSC faculty and staff “excellent” or “good”; 100% of clients reported their interaction with students “excellent” or “good.”
• 100% of clients reported the products developed for the project were useful
• 100% of clients indicated they were Satisfied (29%) or Very Satisfied (71%) with the project
• 100% of clients indicated they would partner with the CSC for future projects

Finally, a few comments from our clients:

• “RARE participants were extraordinarily talented and hard working personnel. They helped to develop a number of programs here in Sandy, and I would hire either one of them if I had the chance.”
• “We would not have ever made the goal of a being a net exporter of renewable energy. We also would not have been able to raise funding for the Innovation & Learning Center that now offers higher educational opportunities in rural Lakeview.”
• “The students were diligent, inquisitive, and enthusiastic. Staff were passionate about the subject and very responsive to changes and requests, and produced a very professional product. Faculty guidance was present and strategic. It was a fun and rewarding experience overall.”
• “Very good — responsiveness, collaboration, goal/objective definition, communication, professionalism, enthusiasm, and friendliness.”
• “The position was so successful that the City allocated $20,000 to support a half time position for the Tourism Committee.”
• “The results of this project created a significant resource that benefited multiple agencies and staff. I greatly appreciated the team’s willingness to allow the project to be refined as it developed which ultimately resulted in a better product.”

We’re looking forward to fall term and having another productive year service the state of Oregon and University of Oregon students!

Best regards,

Bob Parker and Megan Smith