Training Community Leaders to Serve as Equal Partners in Research: Penn Community Scholars Program, 2015-2023.

Abstract

An implementation and effectiveness evaluation of the Community Scholars Program was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania to enhance community capacity to collaborate with academics in mutually beneficial, equitable, and transformative research. Mixed methods were employed using administrative data, surveys, and key informant interviews. Participants expressed high satisfaction, valued interactive learning, and identified areas for improvement. The program increased knowledge and self-confidence in research-related skills and trust in the research process. The program serves as an institutional model to create long-term, mutually beneficial community-academic partnerships. (<i>Am J Public Health.</i> 2024;114(3):284-288. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307549).