University-Assisted Community Schools (2024-2025)
The Durham University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS) Research Collective has been investigating how universities can more effectively partner with public schools, with a focus on equity, diversity and antiracist education. Since 2019, the team, comprising students, staff and faculty from Duke University and North Carolina Central University, has worked to build more equitable and responsible partnerships between Durham universities and Durham Public Schools. Their work supports the broader mission of the North Carolina Community Schools Coalition to position schools as neighborhood hubs that integrate academic, health and social services.
In 2024-2025, the team built on previous efforts by developing and refining training modules that prepare undergraduate students for meaningful, community-centered engagement. They also created data visualization tools to help university students and local stakeholders better understand the needs and strengths of Durham communities. In addition, team members developed pipeline initiatives to support the next generation of community school practitioners.
To broaden the impact of their work, the team shared these resources through publications, presentations and on-site visits. Their efforts support the growth of the Southeast Regional Coalition for University-Assisted Community Schools, a regional network designed to amplify the UACS model throughout the South. Through academic collaboration and sustained partnerships, the collective continues to bridge higher education and K–12 communities to address shared challenges and strengthen public education.
Timing
Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
Team Outputs
Surveyed research journals and legislation for political perspectives on public education
In-depth interviews with community school coordinators
Curated an anti-racism curriculum
Developed five-week curriculum on legacy of Black-let community schools
Teach-ins
Interviewed community school faculty at the University of Vermont, University of Pennsylvania, University of Maryland Baltimore and Townson University
University-Assisted Community Schools (Poster presentation at the Fortin Foundation Bass Connections Showcase, April 16, 2025)
See related Data+ project, Strengthening Partnerships: Durham Schools and Local Universities (2024), and earlier related team, Strengthening Partnerships Between Durham Schools and Local Universities (2023-2024).
Image: From 2022-23 project team, by Jamie Eaton