2025 CDS Annual Conference

Overall description of the academic paper (100 words or less): 
A significant barrier to obtaining accurate information about immigrant communities is their  reluctance to speak with researchers. To assess Latino healthcare needs, a study was  conducted amid the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural Midwest community where the Latino  population had nearly doubled since 2010. The study used a community‐based participatory  research (CBPR) approach that involved bilingual Latino high school students as data  collectors. This academic paper published in Local Development & Society (Vol. 5, #2, August  2024) describes the methodology used to recruit students, train them in responsible research  methods, and gather their experiences during/after the data collection period.  
~ 99 words 
Explanation of how your program/project relates to the theme and/or conference track(s)  selected (250 words or less): 
Gaining access to immigrant communities is an important aspect of conducting culturally  competent research. The Role of High School Students as Data Collectors relates to the theme,  Innovative Pathways to Thriving Communities, because it opens up yet another avenue for  mutually beneficial research collaboration with the potential for greater insights into hard-to reach subjects like public health, documentation status, legal issues, and language barriers that  could inspire creative solutions to wicked problems.  
Community‐based participatory research (CBPR) is a people-driven solution that emphasizes  the central role of community members in driving innovation and focuses on inclusive practices  that empower diverse voices and talents. The CBPR study explained in this academic paper  aligns with the revised CDS Principles of Good Practice and the National Institute of Health’s  Values (see attached table). The students' reflections highlighted in this academic paper detail  how their experiences with CBPR influenced their awareness of community issues and their  personal or professional development. 
Research that advances community development theory/practice is foundational to establishing  thriving communities where co-learning, collaboration, community-driven practice, community  power, dignity with diversity, economic autonomy, social justice, and sustainability are core  principles.  
In the proposed conference presentation, the author will discuss how each of the eight CDS  Principles were integrated into the study’s design, execution and/or outcomes – and how  session attendees can replicate the process with their own community development research.  She will also share best practices and lessons learned, demonstrating how “youth of the  community” can be a valuable resource in immigrant research. 
~ 247 words