Building community-engaged research capacity through bidirectional collaboration: the community research consulting initiative model at NYU Langone health.

Objectives: To develop and evaluate the Community Research Consulting Initiative (CRCI), a no-cost, student-led model designed to build bidirectional capacity between academic institutions and community-based organizations (CBOs) through research consulting and project-based assistance. Study design: This formative program evaluation examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of CRCI, which includes virtual Office Hours for short-term research consultation and Project-Based Assistance (PBA) for longer-term collaborations. The goal was to support CBOs with technical research needs while providing academic trainees with real-world experience. Methods: Academic consultants (students, staff, faculty) were recruited through institutional listservs and outreach and completed an intake form outlining their expertise and learning goals. CBOs were engaged through Community Advisory Boards, faculty referrals, and existing networks. Consultants provided support via Zoom-based Office Hours and were matched with CBOs for PBA through a memorandum of understanding. Data collection included Zoom registration logs, post-session surveys, and follow-up communications. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative feedback was reviewed thematically to inform implementation improvements. Results: Thirty-three consultants expressed interest; 21 participated in Office Hours or PBA projects, representing a range of NYU departments. Consultants sought practical experience applying academic skills in community settings. Fifty-one unique CBOs registered for 90 Office Hours slots, primarily serving racial/ethnic minority and at-risk populations in New York City. Grant writing and data analysis were the most frequently requested topics. Among 20 completed surveys, 95% of CBO respondents found sessions useful and relevant, citing take-home resources as especially beneficial. Six CBOs engaged in PBA projects involving survey design, data analysis, and program evaluation. Consultants appreciated the learning opportunity but highlighted challenges related to attendance, preparation time, and expectation setting. Conclusion: CRCI demonstrates a feasible and replicable model for advancing equitable academic-community partnerships aligned with NIH priorities. The initiative supports community capacity building while fostering practical training for future leaders in community-engaged research. Broader implementation of CRCI-like models may enhance the sustainability and impact of academic-community collaborations.