Community Engaged Research
The Helene and Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University leads and supports Community-Engaged Research across its many partnerships with local communities and organizations. Community-engaged research is a collaborative process that incorporates the input of individuals and organizations affected by research outcomes as equal partners in the research process. This collaborative research approach encompasses co-designing research questions, dialoguing on methods, influencing policy, and ultimately creating programs and interventions to address issues identified by the community, reflected in the research outcomes. The community remains a true partner in these decisions, ensuring that the appropriate actions are taken and solutions are relevant and beneficial to their lives.
Our commitment to community-engaged research highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and community partners. By involving the community in every step of the research process, the Wilson Center faculty, staff and student partners ensures that outcomes are not only academically rigorous but also practically relevant and beneficial to those who need them most. This approach not only advances academic research but also fosters meaningful partnerships that drive positive social change.
Recent Projects
Westchester County Executive George Latimer recently announced a landmark initiative led by the Westchester Hispanic Advisory Board and Pace University faculty researchers, including Professors Rebecca Tekula, PhD, and Gina Scutelnicu Todoran, PhD. This project marks the first comprehensive needs assessment of the Latino community in Westchester County in over 20 years. Covering key areas such as education, healthcare, employment, housing, and social services, the initiative aims to collect high-quality data to enhance county programs and services. Pace faculty will apply academic rigor to the research and assist the County in using the findings to inform policies that better address the needs of the Latino community.
Earlier this year, Professors Scutelnicu-Todoran and Tekula secured a $30,000 grant from the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA) to evaluate the financial health of 75 child welfare agencies in New York State. Alongside two graduate students, they conducted a detailed financial analysis, examining revenues, expenditures, endowments, and investments. The project, concluding this fall, will culminate in a comprehensive report for executive and legislative leaders at the state and city levels, as well as individual agency reports for COFCCA members. The findings aim to guide strategic budget decisions and strengthen foster care, preventive services, and juvenile justice programs.
In another project, the Wilson Center partnered with Nonprofit Westchester and Dyson College’s Public Administration Department to produce Westchester County’s Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Report. Funded by the Westchester Community Foundation, the study provided insights into equitable pay and benefits for nonprofit employees. The report has become a vital resource for nonprofits advocating for investments in human capital, ensuring organizational sustainability and employee well-being.
In 2022, the Wilson Center collaborated with Dyson College and the Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe on a year-long community needs assessment. This project identified gaps in healthcare, housing, public safety, and other services, enabling local agencies to prioritize programs and develop impactful initiatives. The findings were shared through community conversations, helping stakeholders align resources to better serve residents. Collectively, these projects demonstrate the Wilson Center’s commitment to impactful research and community collaboration.