Strengthening Community Support through Research Partnerships
Trent University in Canada is renowned for its commitment to community engagement and experiential learning. A prime example of this dedication is the recent collaboration between five Trent students and Peterborough Youth Services (PYS). These student-led research projects, facilitated by the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC), focused on enhancing PYS’s services and programs for youth and families in the Peterborough region. The projects tackled critical areas such as mental health services, crisis response programs, caregiver support, and youth custody alternatives. By working directly with PYS, students gained invaluable real-world experience, while the organization benefited from fresh perspectives and increased capacity.
Real-World Impact: How Trent Students are Making a Difference
The partnership between Trent University and Peterborough Youth Services provided students with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to address real-world challenges. Fourth-year Forensic Science student Chloe Hunt, for instance, evaluated the Family Program at PYS, examining its accessibility, inclusivity, and responsiveness. Her research highlighted areas for improvement, such as increased collaboration with other youth-serving organizations—a recommendation PYS is actively pursuing. Chloe’s experience underscores the transformative potential of community-based research. “This project allowed me to feel connected to the community,” she shared, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning and the supportive environment provided by Trent faculty and the TCRC.
Empowering Students, Strengthening Communities
The benefits of this collaboration extended beyond individual student experiences. For PYS, a small non-profit organization, the partnership provided much-needed support in evaluating and refining their programs. Amie Kroes, manager of youth justice programs at PYS, explained that the students’ contributions provided valuable insights and resources that the organization would not have otherwise had. “[Students] brought new energy, asked thoughtful questions, and helped us reflect on how we work,” she noted, emphasizing the significant impact of the students’ work on PYS’s ability to serve youth and families effectively. The projects with PYS were just a small part of a larger initiative at Trent University. Over 100 students participated in more than 50 community-based research projects, partnering with 30 local organizations. These initiatives exemplify Trent’s dedication to fostering community engagement and providing students with meaningful learning opportunities.
A Model for Community-Engaged Learning
The collaboration between Trent University and Peterborough Youth Services serves as a powerful model for community-engaged learning. By partnering with local organizations, universities can provide students with invaluable experiences that enhance their skills, broaden their perspectives, and prepare them for future careers. These partnerships also strengthen communities by providing organizations with access to research expertise and innovative solutions. The success of the Trent-PYS partnership highlights the potential of community-based research to create positive change. As Chloe Hunt reflected, “I was doing work that mattered to people in my own community. That’s something I’ll carry with me long after graduation.” This sentiment encapsulates the core value of community engagement: creating opportunities for students to make a meaningful difference while gaining essential skills and knowledge.
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