The Child, Youth, and Family Studies (CYFS) is an interdisciplinary blend of liberal arts education and professional preparation for those planning careers with children, youth, and families. As a fulfillment of the CYFS degree, students choose hands-on practicum experiences that support them in developing practical and professional skills. The purpose of Portland State University’s Community Engagement Research Academy grant was to co-research with CYFS practicum students and their community partners through an arts-based approach that explored the impact of community-engaged work at their practicum sites. We applied a Speaking for Ourselves Action Research (SOAR) methodology (Martin et al., 2021) that involves participants as co-researchers positioning them as authorities of their own experiences and further developing their awareness of systemic issues to move them to social action. The results of the research are displayed at the Littman + White Art Gallery which presents practicum students' and community partners' art responses to questions that focus on identity, bias, and systems of oppression that impact community-engaged work. The art show is an innovative visual measure and a bridge for students to engage with their partners. It also serves as the convener of possibilities that encompass an equitable and viable way to show how “Let Knowledge Serve the City” is applied.

Digital Artifacts from the CERA/CYFS Art-Based Research

CYFS Students and Community Partners

The Tualatin High College and Career Center helps students with their post high school plans. Staff meets individually with every junior and senior connecting them to opportunities for college, military, trades, or work. Support includes college research, applications, financial aid, scholarships, essay writing, resume development, job searches, internships, career research and exposure to the trades. Supportive programs such as career highlights, field trips, military nights, and college information sessions are also coordinated.

PSU Student: Tianie McGuire

Community Partner: The Tualatin High College and Career Center, Washington County

Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington's Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) program uses Girl Scout experiences to strengthen the bond between girls and their mothers, grandmothers, aunts or sisters during the adult's incarceration at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility located in Wilsonville, Oregon. 

PSU Student: Season Ponce

Community Partner: Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington's Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB), Oregon and Washington, Amy Botula and Elise Gilmore

The Queer Resource Center supports Queer and Trans students at Portland State University to achieve their educational goals through advocacy, community, and celebration. The Queer Resource Center prioritizes a racial justice framework to improve campus climate through education, policy change, and campus-wide organizing.

PSU Student: Ruth Lee

Community Partner: PSU QRC, Murph Murph

Our Children Oregon is a statewide advocacy and child abuse prevention non-profit organization. We are committed to whole-child well-being and advancing equitable policymaking in support of a just and fair Oregon where all children thrive. To achieve this, we advocate with and for systemically excluded communities for policies and solutions grounded in equity, resource youth to self-advocate, and connect, learn, and engage with Oregon communities to collaboratively activate meaningful change.

PSU Student: Hannah Morelos

Community Partner: Our Children Oregon, Statewide Oregon, Greer Klepacki

The Gateway Center strives to prevent and reduce the impact of intimate partner violence and its subsequent trauma by providing comprehensive, survivor-centered advocacy and services within a welcoming and culturally sensitive environment. We prioritize survivors' safety, promote survivors' rights and support survivors' desires to be free from violence and abuse.

PSU Student: Lauren Brimmer
Community Partner: The Gateway Center, Multnomah County

For over 50 years, Helen Gordon Child Development Center has been providing quality preschool education for the children of Portland State University’s students, faculty and staff, as well as families in the greater Portland community. The Center has the capacity to enroll over 200 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. HGCDC not only provides students and faculty/staff parents with a high-quality on-campus early education and child care program but also serves as an academic resource, welcoming participation by University faculty and students in the fields of early childhood education, child and family studies, psychology and related fields.

PSU Student: Kristen McAllister
Community Partner: Helen Gordan Development Center

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (MHKC) envisions a future in which everyone who wants to go to Camp gets to go and stay in fully-accessible, safe, state-of-the-art facilities. For over 85 years, MHKC has offered incredible outdoor recreational programming for campers with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities at its fully accessible 22-acre campsite in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

Community Partner: Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, Camper