ABSTRACT
This chapter explores one example of how institutions of higher education can enter communities as an equal partner and catalyst for social change. It reflects on the benefits and the ongoing challenges of maintaining thoughtful and effective university research relationships between communities and higher education scholars. The chapter explores the intended and unintended consequences of preparing for, and using, participatory action research in a 100-block area of Detroit for community members. It suggests the concept of community agency as a potentially important mechanism for building college-going culture and making sustainable social change. Innovative researchers are conceiving the relationships between the university and the community in new ways. The HOPE Village Initiative project was to take place in the 100-block area surrounding the Focus HOPE community organization.
