Solid Gold Neighbor
Celebrating Five Years of Baylor’s Solid Gold Neighbor Initiative (2019-2024).
As we reflect on five years of Baylor University’s Solid Gold Neighbor Initiative, we look back on an extraordinary journey of service, collaboration, and community transformation. Launched in 2019 with the goal of fostering meaningful connections between Baylor University and the City of Waco, this initiative has focused on building relationships with our nearest neighbors while guiding programs and partnerships designed to strengthen ties between Baylor and external organizations, focused in key areas of health, education, city growth, cultural wealth and economic development.
Over the last 5 years, Baylor External Affairs…
- Launched programs that support Waco-area businesses, including Waco Perks the University’s shop local discounts program.
- Provided space for hundreds of public school educators to deepen their skillset and knowledge base through Pre-K Academy, in partnership with Waco ISD.
- Hosted Men’s and Women’s Empowerment Summits, showcasing secondary education opportunities available for local middle and high schoolers
- Funded local nonprofits through student-led philanthropy, contributing over $120,000 to local organizations
- Led professional development for over 100 Waco-area emerging leaders through LeadershipPlenty Institute
- Shared the history of Waco across campus through the Waco Culture Guide, a publication for recruitment and retention for faculty, staff and students
- Drove community awareness surrounding community behavioral health concerns through the Gil Taylor Behavioral Health Series and more.
The initiative was shaped by a year of strategic planning, internal and external listening tours, and local data collection. Over the past five years, Solid Gold Neighbor has made a lasting impact on nonprofits, for-profits, student groups, faculty, staff, and beyond, while solidifying Baylor’s role as a dedicated and active member of the Waco community. The University remains steadfastly united for Waco as we celebrate our partnerships and launch the Baylor Waco Initiative, the institution’s community relations strategy for the coming five years.