Summer Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Experience: Facilitating Youth-Led Project Related to Substance Use

Academic Partner | Jacinda Dariotis
Community Partner | YES Program

Project Description
Over the course of Summer 2026, we will work with a cohort of high school students (7 new students and 3 returning students who will serve as mentors) to develop their research capacity and facilitate the development of a youth-led project. High school students will choose a topic of interest that is relevant to them and their community and that relates to substance use. Then, they will research the topic, learn research data collection strategies, design and implement a study, analyze data, report findings, and develop an action plan that involves speaking with decision-makers and other adults in position of power and authority to make changes. This is a partnership with the YES program (affiliated with Unit 4 and the City of Champaign).

Role of the Scholar
The Community-Academic Scholar will work with the PI, YES program, and cohort of high school students to develop and refine research questions, collect data, analyze data, interpret findings, and provide recommendations for action. The scholar will facilitate the YPAR groups over the summer, mentor the returning students in how to implement YPAR, and will assist students with all stages of the research process. The scholar will lead an evaluation of the program including reflections on each session. Recommendations will be collectively developed to address youth identified needs within their communities. Through this project, the scholar will gain skills in working with high school students, learn YPAR principles and the research life cycle, work with community partners, and assist students in software use, data analysis, and recommendation development.