Community Advocacy and Research Engagement Program

This is a two-semester program that offers leadership, research, and public policy training for students interested in working with Latino, Asian American, Native American, and/or African and African Diaspora communities in Massachusetts. In the Fall, students will participate in a seminar to study the process of community-based research and its methodologies, and begin to design a research proposal for an independent study with a faculty advisor for the Spring semester research project. The seminar will also include a Lecture Series where academic researchers and community professionals will discuss their current work and experiences on issues related to the four research-interest communities. 

Program Highlights

  • Year-long research seminar, including research methods
  • Opportunity to conduct independent research under faculty guidance
  • Small classroom environment, personal support & guidance
  • Opportunity to present in public forums
  • 7 academic credits (may fulfill requirements for the Asian American studies concentration, African and African Diaspora studies program or Sociology)Latino, Asian American, Native American, African & African Diaspora tracks
  • Designated for cultural diversity credit


Program Components

  • This is a two-semester program that offers leadership, research, and public policy training for students interested in working with African and/or African Diaspora, Asian, Latino, and Native American communities in Massachusetts.
  • In the Fall, students participate in a seminar to study the process of community-based research, its methodologies, and begin to design a research proposal for an independent study. 
  • The seminar will also include guest speakers where academic researchers and community professionals will discuss their current work and experiences on issues related to the community of their research interest.
  • In the Spring, students will work with a faculty advisor on their independent research projects. They will also attend a seminar once a week with the course instructor.


Learning Outcomes

As a result of participating in this program students will be able to: 

  • Gain an understanding of the uniqueness of community-based research in comparison to other forms of research
  • Build upon knowledge of the issues affecting communities of color and those organizations
  • Acquire methodological skills
  • Learn the important components in designing a research proposal and conducting a studyBe critical consumers and producers of knowledge
  • Gain a deeper understanding of ethical and methodological issues related to community-based research
  • Develop presentation skills


Eligibility Requirements

The program welcomes applications from students who meet the following criteria:

Interest in social justice issues, leadership development, community involvement and scholarship

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following materials: 

  • A completed application - apply here 
  • A current resume
  • A current unofficial transcript

If you have any questions about the Community Research Program please contact: Misa Tran, Assistant Director
Email: tranqo@bc.edu

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