Institutions of higher education and local citizens are both rich sources of knowledge for addressing complex socio-economic issues facing small, rural communities in Alabama. Historically, however, the possibilities to be achieved from combining academic research with local wisdom have been limited by higher ed research and outreach models that employ university “expertise” but do not include an appreciation for the relevant information and insights to be gained from community members. Community-University partnerships promise a better path to building and maintaining the resilience all communities need to weather the challenges before them. New College students from the University of Alabama, their faculty advisors, and Walker County community partners have formed one of these partnerships built on mutual respect and a deep appreciation for learning from each other.
As part of this partnership, University of Alabama students can participate in embedded community-based research internships, giving them the opportunity to learn first-hand the challenges and benefits of joining their talents and resources with those of Walker County community partners. Working on the premise that strong, collaborative relationships are crucial to effective social change, students fully engage in local life, living in the homes of residents and working on issues identified by local nonprofits.
This presentation given at the September 30, 2011, AlabamaPossible Lifetime of Learning Summit shares the successes and lessons learned from the Summer 2011 pilot of New College's embedded community-based research internship program conducted in collaboration with our community partners at the Walker Area Community Foundation. For more information, contact Lane McLelland, Assistant Director, New College, at 205-348-2642 or lane.mclelland@ua.edu
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