Equal Status: Shifting Scholarship Paradigms to Fully Include Community-Based Research into Undergraduate Research Programs

Abstract

Undergraduate research (UR) experiences continue to proliferate across all higher education settings. Yet, community-based research (CBR) experiences account for a small percentage of UR opportunities. This paper describes the results of a pilot study of a summer program which is intentionally expanding the paradigm for UR at a public research university to include CBR as an equally valued form of scholarship. Results indicate that CBR opportunities expand participation by underrepresented students in UR. Dedicated program administration by CBR faculty and unique recruitment, design, and programs contributed to program success.