The Poughkeepsie Institute is created as an advisory body to offer
to the City of Poughkeepsie academic resources from six area colleges
to help inform and develop community initiatives in collaboration
with local political, social, religious and business leaders. The
Poughkeepsie Institute, further, is intended to augment the experiential
dimensions of the intellectual life of both students and faculty of
the six participating area colleges by fostering a formal and vibrant
relationship with the government of the City of Poughkeepsie. The
six participating area colleges are Bard College, Dutchess Community
College, Marist College, State University of New Paltz, Vassar College
and Culin Institute of America. The Poughkeepsie Institute will seek
collaboration with governmental units outside of the government of
the City of Poughkeepsie, including county governmental officials,
and, further, with neighborhood groups, human services agencies, businesses,
religious congregations and arts organizations in order to better
carry out its tasks. The Poughkeepsie Institute's primary focus, although
not its exclusive focus, will be on urban issues, such as economic
development, crime, poverty, land use, art, community spirit, community
organization and education. The Poughkeepsie Institute is authorized
to provide resources, research services, policy discussion, lectures,
student interns, faculty assistance and general aid and guidance to
the government of the City of Poughkeepsie within the areas described
in this subsection.