Lynchburg College > Academics > Beyond the Classroom > Academic & Community Centers > Center for Community Development and Social Justice (CCDSJ) > Community-Based Research (CBR)
Community-Based Research (CBR)
Community-based research is research that involves faculty members, students, and community partners in projects that address a community-identified need.
With support from the Jesse Ball duPont Fund and the United Way of Central Virginia, the CCDSJ was able in 2003 to begin creating CBR partnerships between college faculty and students and local non-profits.
CBR projects are different in some ways from conventional research:
- CBR is initiated by community partners who remain actively engaged throughout the project
- CBR is conducted with and for - not on - members of a community
- CBR engages students in the community
- CBR promotes long-term relationships with community partners
Why do CBR?
Benefits for LC
- CBR is a highly effective mode of teaching and learning
- Students learn how to listen to others, think about problems and issues, arrive at solutions mutually, and work together to implement the solutions
- CBR provides a greater understanding of social problems, and integrates academics and service
Benefits for Community Partners
- Partners receive training that they can use in the future
- CBR studies can be used for program improvement, grant writing, community education, and public policy advocacy
- Partners can make more strategic decisions about their operations and the programs they offer
