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At its core, community-engaged research is a collaborative approach that emphasizes the involvement of community members stakeholders and academics in the research process. The Center for Community Partnerships' commitment to this approach ensures that research projects are relevant, impactful and reflective of the needs and priorities of the communities that we serve.

Led by a team of dedicated scholars and practitioners, The Center for Community Partnerships at UVA works to integrate theory and practice through community-engaged research. The Center for Community Partnerships not only conducts research projects with a focus on co-creation, but also actively works to build strong and sustainable relationships with local communities and organizations. By adopting an asset-based approach, The Center for Community Partnerships aims to identify and build upon the strengths and resources with communities, thereby avoiding the deficit-based thinking often associated with research institutions. This collaborative approach creates a reciprocal learning process where community members and researchers exchange knowledge, fostering mutual growth and empowerment. As a result, the Center for Community Partnerships' community-engaged research not only produces valuable insights and solutions but also contributes to the long-term capacity-building of the communities it serves. 

Center for Community Partnerships' community research initiatives include:

Residents for Respectful Research

Preventing research projects from exploiting low-wealth residents and ensuring that the research conducted is beneficial to the community.

Community Fellows-in-Residence Program

The Community Fellows-in-Residence program is a short-term professional development opportunity to give individuals outside of UVA access to the resources of the university, and to share their knowledge and talents with the UVA community.

Resources

People

News

News | Feb 25, 2026

Understanding Our Schools: A Closer Look at Local School Demographics

Feb 25, 2026
At the Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Virginia (UVA), we believe that strong communities are built on shared knowledge, action-oriented research, and data-rich advocacy. We’re excited to share the latest update to our Local School Demographics resource, a…

Events

Crack the code event flyer: "CRACK THE CODE, Understanding School Reports."
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Event | Mar 26, 2026

Crack the Code: Understanding School Reports

Mar 26, 2026
All Charlottesville City Schools parents, guardians, and caring adults are invited to join CCS Family and Community Engagement and First Baptist Church to learn more about understanding school reports! Join us on Thursday, March 26 from 6-7pm at First Baptist Church (632 W Main…
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Mar
Community Dialogue Flyer
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Event | Jan 28, 2025

Community Safety Dialogue

Jan 28, 2025
Join the President's Council on UVA-Community Partnerships and fellow community members on January 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Burley Middle School library for an open and collaborative community dialogue on community safety in the Charlottesville-Albemarle region.
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