Theories into Practice: Building Youth Resilience through School-Community-University Partnerships

This paper describes the theoretical grounding of the Pontiac Resilience Project, a subproject of an established community-university partnership. The goal of the Pontiac Resilience Project is to reduce the toxic impact of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); support children’s healthy development; and create a healing resilient community of Pontiac. Our work critically examines the intersectionality of ACEs and childhood trauma as rooted in systemic inequities and historical racism. Grounded in critical ecological perspectives, we outline the praxis and pedagogy underlying our youth efforts of the Pontiac Resilience Project, conducted in partnership with a public school district, to inform and mobilize youths. Through a relationship-based participatory approach, youths, ages 15-18, are empowered as community change agents.