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Become a Community Partner

Community-engaged research activities through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) are in the spirit of the U-M’s mission to serve the people of Michigan and the world, and to develop leaders and citizens to challenge the present and enrich the future.  By community-engaged, we mean students and faculty are not only researching within communities, but they are working with and learning from the communities.  Our program is not merely place-based, it values communities’ expertise with and vital interest in their own histories, cultural wealth, aspirations and concerns.  At the core of community-engaged research is reciprocal partnership where the community’s involvement deepens understanding of the issues being explored and ensures that the products created are of mutual interest and sustained benefit to the community.   These learning opportunities are transformative in developing our students as leaders and citizens with the confidence, skills, knowledge and commitment essential for quality research and social action for years to come.

We are committed to following U-M Engaged Michigan principles and values to guide our students’ work in ethical and sustainable ways:  

  • Principle of Recognition for the expertise and knowledge within the community 
  • Principle of Respect for individuals, communities, and their resources 
  • Principle of Equitable Partnership focused on reciprocal relationships, transparency, and accountability 

To Learn About Our Existing Community-Engaged Research Partnerships, Please Read Below