Community Research Fellowship

CARE has extensive experience training community members to take part in research processes. The Community Research Fellows (CRF) program builds on this work. Started in 2018, the CRF program builds the knowledge, skills, and confidence that residents need to be equitable partners at research centers at Yale and drives forward community engaged research across Connecticut. The CRF program is a novel approach, as there are limited opportunities for residents – particularly low-income residents of color – to effectively partner across a broad array of research activities at Yale.

Since 2021, CARE has partnered with the Yale Cancer Center to offer the CRF Program with a cancer-specific focus.

Throughout the 9-month program, fellows are trained in community engaged research, research methods and the use of data, research ethics, specific health conditions (e.g., cancer), and health equity during workshop sessions and then collaborate with researchers on community-engaged research and intervention projects. This innovative approach is unique, because it provides curriculum-based information with ‘on-the-ground’ research experience to residents, while also building active relationships between community members and Yale Investigators. This strategy provides a depth of training and builds engaged relationships to stimulate future public health research and intervention implementation opportunities.

Applications for the 2025 CARE-Yale Cancer Center cohort are now open for Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Naugatuck Valley residents. Complete the application below.