Community Based Research
involves understanding a need in the community and working with a community partner to ask questions and find answers to that need. To engage in this type of research, there needs to be a collaboration with a faculty and community partner or organization.
Project Examples
Community-based projects are as varied as the needs of the community partners we serve. A few common research projects are:
- Promotion or awareness campaigns for an agency or a community issue of concern (suicide prevention, AIDS/HIV, etc.)
- Evaluation and recommendations based on historical trends or data (financial, service, renovation, etc.)
- Surveys and focus groups to assess the needs of an agency or its clients
- Scientific testing or studies (evaluating water quality in local watersheds)
- Tutoring or mentoring of at-risk children
Getting Involved
Students, faculty and community members can all get involved in community-based research.
Students
There a number of ways to participate in community based research. You may begin by volunteering or taking a service learning course in an area of interest. From there, connect with a faculty mentor that shares your passion and commitment to a cause. They can work with you to build relationships and develop a research project.
Research
Make an appointment with us to learn about finding a faculty mentor and research opportunities.
Service-Learning
Contact Service Learning in the Leadership and Service Center for a list of upcoming courses that aim to connect
you with the community and topical issues.
Community Service
Contact the Leadership and Service Center to see what community service opportunities are available. There are a number of
volunteer opportuities including weekly service trips, Service Saturdays, Alternate
Break Program, and the Gamecock Pantry.
Faculty
Student & Funding Search
Contact our office at our@sc.edu or 803-777-1141 to find a student to work with you on a project and seek possible funding options.
Service-Learning and Community Service
For support with planning, teaching and assessing learning within the context of service-learning,
contact the Center for Teaching Excellence.
Contact the Leadership and Service Center for information on service leadership, projects, and more.