A tiered practice model (introductory, pre-internship, and internship) embedded in the curriculum facilitates community engagement and creates relevance for students as they pursue a professional identity in Human Development and Family Studies. The tiered model integrates high-impact teaching practices (HIP) and student engagement pedagogies primarily through a common professional development event, Developing Connections. Developing Connections creates and maintains reciprocal relationships between undergraduate students, interns, the academic program, and community professionals. Sustained collaborative partnerships with community agencies extend classroom experiences by linking students to the community while supporting student engagement and high-impact practice.