Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

This presentation provides examples of how university-municipal partnerships from San Diego State University’s Sage Project (a replication of the Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities [EPIC] Model) have been used to enrich research methods courses for undergraduate students majoring in criminal justice and public administration. The presentation will discuss how students have been able to apply research methods concepts and hone their data collection skills through an applied project on homelessness and policing. The project was part of a larger partnership with a local municipality as part of the Sage Project, and was proposed by the municipality as high-priority and high-need. The presentation will highlight learning outcomes that are achieved by using the EPIC model as well as the professional development opportunities provided to students. The presentation will also address challenges of implementation and lessons that can be adopted by programs seeking to capitalize upon EPIC partnerships in research methods courses.