APPENDIX A: PARTNERSHIP NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Community Research

The researchers used a standard format for the initial e-mail inquiry and interviews with the 30 partnerships. During the interviews, the researchers reviewed the information generated by the e-mails and requested any missing information. Several prospective sites forwarded additional materials about their programs and services. Descriptions of each site were prepared and analyzed against the nomination criteria. Sites most closely conforming to the guidelines were recommended to OVAE for consideration. For the recommendations, summaries were prepared that included the selection factors, the nominator, site contact information, and descriptions of the community, its partnerships, instructors, and outcome data.