Last summer, our colleagues at the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement shared with us the need for research on college access in the SouthCoast. Specifically, they and their many community partners need to know what barriers area high school students face when researching and applying to college, who is working to address those barriers in the region, and what interventions have worked in similar communities.
Instead of trying to fit such a project into our already busy schedule, we identified this as a unique opportunity to lead an effort of community-based participatory research (CBPR). CBPR involves engaging stakeholders in shaping and implementing the research agenda to ensure that the work is meaningful and action-oriented.
The most important stakeholders in college access are high school students, a group we already reach through our high school internship program (now in its second summer). This month you'll meet the seven area students will join us in defining the problem, focusing our research, and determining the deliverable(s) we will produce by summer's end. We look forward to sharing our progress here, on our Facebook page, and on our blog. Stay tuned!
|
SouthCoast Indicators
|
Last month's addition - ' City Profiles' - proved a big hit, with 176 pageviews. Keep spreading the word that population and demographic data is there! This month's new subcategory is Open Space and Recreation. Here are some of the data points you'll find: - Number and type of recreational amenities (including parks, playgrounds, and ball fields)
- Need for recreational amenities, based on national standards
- Number of protected and unprotected undeveloped parcels
Here are the links to Fall River's page and New Bedford's page. |
From the blog
|
- Meet Mike McCarthy, our newest UMass Dartmouth undergraduate turned research assistant. His writing ability may tip you off that he's an English major, but he also has a keen interest in cities like his native New Bedford.
|
Upcoming Events
| |
Let us know if you want to see your event listed in this space!
|
Grants
|
Walmart Foundation grants - Deadline: 8/9
Grants ranging from $25K-250K available to organizations addressing education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, or health and wellness. Applicants must operate on a regional or state level. Full RFP here.
Sunlight Foundation open-source technology grants - Deadline: rolling
Grants in the $5-10K range will fund projects that facilitate data sharing and civic innovation in ways that enhance government transparency. RFP here.
|
Job opportunities
|
Do you need help getting the word out about a job opportunity? Send us your announcement and we'll share it both here and on our blog. Administrative Assistant, New Bedford Community Connections Coalition
Part-time (30 hours/week) position supporting the NBCCC in its efforts to address the needs of children and families in the region. Deadline: July 8. Learn more here.
LifeWork Project Coordinator AND
Executive Director, Women's Fund of Southeastern MA
The Women's Fund is looking to fill two positions. Read more about them and get application instructions at this link.
Americorps VISTA, Southeastern MA Time ExchangeSupport the efforts of the UMass Dartmouth Sustainability Office and its partners in introducing time-banking to the region. More information available here.
|
|
|
About the Urban Initiative:
The UI is a division of the Center for Policy Analysis that addresses challenges and opportunities in the region's smaller industrial cities, with a particular emphasis on Fall River and New Bedford. In addition to conducting applied research, evaluating programs and policies, facilitating collaborations, and providing technical assistance to cities and organizations therein, the Urban Initiative serves as a knowledge base for urban policy issues in the region. Perhaps most importantly, our work to support cities supports UMass Dartmouth students. Graduate and undergraduate students enjoy the opportunity to apply their coursework in the field by serving as paid staff and interns. If you are or know of a UMass Dartmouth student who wants to work with the Urban Initiative, get in touch!
|
|
|
