Our framework (visual below) draws upon multidisciplinary approaches to community engaged research, including community based participatory research (Andrews et al., 2012; Israel et al., 2010), research practice partnerships (Ishimaru et al., 2022; Teeters & Jurow, 2018), participatory action research (Fine et al., 2021; Goessling, 2019; 2020), public scholarship (Holland et al., 2003; Learning in Places Collaborative, 2021) and others. From here, training is an active process of capacity building and co-learning built on the following key pillars:
- embracing broad definitions of expertise and diverse knowledge systems;
- fostering democratic participation through co-creation and co-learning;
- prioritizing reciprocal relationships;
- maintaining a continuous focus on power dynamics and historical context; and
- pursuing community–driven aims for meaningful change.
The image is a circular framework titled “Community Engaged Research Training Framework.”
At the center is a four-petal shape representing core learning domains: attitudes, behaviors, skills, and knowledge.
Surrounding the center are four numbered phases arranged in a continuous cycle.
Phase O1, “Prepare for Engagement,” includes practices such as community asset mapping, transparent communication, and establishing trust. Cultural humility is emphasized in this phase.
Phase O2, “Partnership Building,” focuses on negotiating roles and expectations and developing aligned vision and aims. Accessibility and inclusion are identified as foundational principles.
Phase O3, “Collective Inquiry and Action,” highlights community-engaged research principles and processes and emphasizes shared knowledge development.
Phase O4, “Sustain Engagement and Impact,” includes translating findings into action, data walks, and community ethics training.
Curved arrows around the framework indicate that the process is ongoing and iterative rather than linear.
Additional guiding values appear along the outer edges of the diagram, including asset-based perspectives, attention to power and sociocultural context, and a commitment to sustained engagement and impact.
Current Opportunities
Monthly Huddles
The Huddle is a community of practice for Penn State faculty who share a commitment to equitable, sustainable, reciprocal, transformative community-engaged research. The goal of this community of practice is to build relationships with others who are passionate about co-creating research with community members and want to learn how to do it better. Through regular gatherings, we will share ideas, resources, tools, and build a culture of support. Building on our collective knowledge and expertise, the topics and themes for each session will come from faculty who are invited to present ongoing work, workshop a dilemma or challenge, pilot measures, share resources, lead topical discussions, practice activities, and more! We invite our Penn State colleagues to join us to build the Huddle as a space for supportive relationships and capacity building.
Skill-building Workshops
Boot Camp and Symposium
CIRTification Online
