This theme issue of the monthly Partnerships in Education (PIE) journal focuses on new collaborations, new educational challenges, and some examples of exemplary partnership programs at work in school districts across the country. Each of the 22 chapters was written by those who either direct or coordinate a partnership program. Partnership programs are a tool used to support school improvement efforts. The following businesses or institutions have formed partnerships and are included in the book: (1) ARCO; (2) New York City School Volunteer Program; (3) World Book Encyclopedia; (4) Portland (Oregon) Investment; (5) Rochester (New York) Brainpower; (6) Houston (Texas) Business Promise; (7) Hartford (Connecticut) Early Learning Partnership; (8) Ounce of Prevention Fund (Chicago businesses); (9) Harriet Tubman Elementary School (Newark, New Jersey); (10) Pizza Hut; (11) San Francisco (California) School Volunteers; (12) Time Inc.; (13) Security Pacific Corporation; (14) Career Beginnings; (15) IBM; (16) Dade Partners (Miami, Florida); (17) Los Angeles (California) Adopt-A-School-Program; (18) Memphis (Tennessee) Adopt-A-School-Program; (19) Private Initiatives in Public Education; (20) Purchase Westchester (New York) School Partnership; (21) National Foundation for Improvement of Education; and (22) Exxon Education Foundation. A resource guide is included that provides the name, title, address, and telephone number of the contact person for each of the programs highlighted in the book. (SI)