The recent global pandemic crisis continues to force families and communities to adjust their priorities in their struggle to survive away from seeking higher educational pursuits. For regional institutions whose student enrollment relies on the interest of local communities means many individuals who were considering enrolling in college pre-pandemic no longer see it as a feasible goal. Furthermore, there is a widening gap of access to college for laboring-class communities and communities of color. With institutions increased interest in being more inclusive and diverse we need to consider more sustainable and authentic methods of addressing community needs. My research explores an innovative method of research praxis that considers establishing reciprocal partnerships between universities and culturally marginalized local communities of literacy engagement. My research will provide strategies for Administrators, and Faculty improved sustainable methods of communicating across communities that moves us forward as more inclusive spaces/places of engagement.
