HISTORICAL AND FUTURE EFFORTS TO DEVELOP A RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE IN CALIFORNIA’S RESOURCE POOR AGRICULTURAL REGION Presented by Presented by Salvador Montana, Ph.D. Salvador Montana, Ph.D. California State University, Fresno California State University, Fresno

FERTILE GROUND Twelve counties with much in common Twelve counties with much in common  Shared vision  Social issues including high poverty and unemployment rates  Large segment of population under- educated  Agricultural economy  Shortage of large universities  Lack of adequate federal, state and other financial resources other financial resources

SEEDS OF FORMATION  Informal relationships among public social service directors and university partners  Cooperation vs. Competition  Human and Social capital  CCASSC and SWERT promote the betterment of the region  2002 bi-laws established  MOU and Dues

GERMINATION OF INFORMATION Research  Logic model  Faculty projects  Student stipends $$$$  Partnerships

CULTURAL BROKERS Central California Training Academy Fresno County Social Services California State University Fresno

FUTURE GROWTH  Dr. John D. Welty’s Engaging University  CCASSC Research Associate allows for rapid response to consortia members  Student involvement in research  Regional opportunities for continued research, training and evaluation research, training and evaluation