This presentation offers background on the Communities Learning In Partnership (CLIP) project, coordinated by National League of Cities, Institute for Youth, Education and Families. Moving from a planning grant phase with 7 cities to implementation grants with 4 sites over 3 three years, the project is based on partnerships between the community college system, municipal leaders, the K-12 system and other partners and higher ed institutions in each region. The CLIP theory of change, goals, and early highlights are outlined.