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Empowering West Philadelphia
Together

PZRC connects researchers and residents, building stronger, community-driven initiatives for lasting impact in the Promise Zone

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Community-Powered Research

Our Work

At PZRC, we are dedicated to building the foundation that empowers West Philadelphia residents and community stakeholders to engage meaningfully with the research community. Our efforts focus on developing a robust structural framework, including recruiting and training PZRC members, strengthening board governance, and establishing the West Philadelphia Community Research Review Board (CRRB).

We actively partner in Community-Based Participatory Research projects, fostering collaboration between researchers and residents to address community needs. Additionally, we conduct outreach and educational initiatives to support and uplift the Promise Zone community.

Drexel University's Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, where community and research come together to uplift West Philadelphia.
Cynthia Hughes (PZRC staff), Jimmy Allen (PZRC Board of Directors), and Drexel volunteers welcomed attendees and managed sign-in at the door during West Philly Research Day.

Resources

Our Resources page is a comprehensive hub for anyone looking to engage in community-based research. Here, you’ll find toolkits, articles, and guides promoting community engagement in research, along with highlights of successful community-led projects. These resources include links to best practices for community research, model organizations, and initiatives that inspire equitable participation. Whether you’re a researcher or a resident, this collection is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge to participate meaningfully and contribute to the development of the Promise Zone community.
For more information, visit our Resources page.

Our Community

The West Philadelphia Promise Zone (WPPZ) is a community full of potential and resilience. Designated in January 2014 as one of the first Promise Zones, WPPZ is committed to overcoming the challenges posed by deep and persistent poverty. Our initiatives aim to foster economic growth by creating jobs, expanding access to affordable housing, and enhancing educational opportunities. We also focus on improving healthcare, reducing crime, and empowering residents to shape the future of their neighborhoods. Together, we strive to build a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

We actively partner in Community-Based Participatory Research projects, fostering collaboration between researchers and residents to address community needs. Additionally, we conduct outreach and educational initiatives to support and uplift the Promise Zone community.

A vibrant mural in West Philadelphia captures the spirit, strength, and unity of the Promise Zone community — a place where residents work together to shape a thriving future.

Discover How Researchers and Communities Can Come Together for Meaningful Impact

In this episode of PRIM&R’s Research Ethics Reimagined, we examine how the Promise Zone Research Connection (PZRC) and its Community Research Review Board (CRRB) are transforming research in West Philadelphia. Listen in as host Ivy R. Tillman speaks with PZRC Project Coordinator Caleila Burrell, Associate Clinical Professor and doctoral candidate Allison Rusgo, and Dr. Amy Carroll-Scott, Chair of the Department of Community Health and Prevention at Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, about the power of truly community-engaged research and why it matters now more than ever.

PZRC featured on PRIM&R’s Research Ethics Reimagined podcast — exploring how community members and researchers can build meaningful partnerships to drive change in West Philadelphia.