This document summarizes a European project called Shape Up that aimed to develop students' abilities to critically explore and improve health-related conditions at school, home, and in their communities. It discusses two case studies from the project in Vienna, Austria and Monza, Italy that focused on school-community collaboration. Potentials included schools gaining additional resources and expertise, while barriers were pressures on teacher time and balancing external partners' goals with schools' priorities. Overall, mutual understanding between partners and involving students in decision-making were keys to overcoming barriers and achieving sustainable collaborations that benefit social, economic, and environmental development.