This article presents a longitudinal case study of an urban district school-university partnership designed to prepare students for health careers. We not only summarize the accomplishments of this partnership but also identify factors in the partnership dynamics that hindered the expected improvement in student outcomes. By suggesting possible generalizations that can be tested elsewhere, we seek to contribute to theory building about the role of external partnerships in promoting career-focused high school reform. We conclude by making practical recommendations for similar university-high school partnerships in urban districts.
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