Executive Summary: In February 2007,  UofL President James Ramsey announced the launch of the Signature Partnership Initiative (SPI), an effort to enhance the quality of life and economic opportunity for residents of West Louisville.  The goal of the SPI is to work with various community partners to improve the educational, health, economic and social status of individuals and families who live in our urban core.  Working closely with community residents, the Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville Metro Government, Metro United Way, the Urban League, faith based organizations, and many others, the university has coordinated and enhanced existing programs and launched new programs designed to eliminate or reduce disparities that West Louisville residents experience in education, health, economic and social conditions.  The university is drawing upon the expertise and energy of faculty, staff, and students from every school and college of UofL to deal with the quality of life issues affecting our community.

Overarching Goal Statement

In collaboration with community partners, enhance quality of life for residents in West Louisville by improving the overall educational attainment levels to equal those of Metro Louisville in general, through the integrated enhancement of health, social and human services, and economic viability of the community.

Program Goals & Objectives

Education

• Raise reading, math, and science skills to grade level
• Raise percentage of residents with a high school diploma to that of the community average
• Raise percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree to that of the community average

Economic Development

• Raise employment level of residents of target area
• Raise average wage paid by target area businesses
• Increase number of businesses in target area
• Increase number of businesses owned by target area residents

Social and Human Services

• Reduce substance abuse
• Reduce youth violence
• Provide safe, quality environments for dependent individuals, including the elderly and disabled

Health

• Reduce infant mortality
• Increase life expectancy
• Reduce chronic illnesses (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental health) through early identification and treatment                               

Follow this link to read more of the Signature Partnership Historical Overview

A Message from the President regarding the Signature Partnership Initiative