Sample projects
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
A pilot implementation of this project was conducted at the new Armstrong High School, which was created through the merger of two rival high schools. This project involved assessments of the physical environment of the school. High school students and their parents were asked to identify what made them feel safe/unsafe at the school. Experts trained school staff — including the school’s engineering, safety and security management personnel — and VCU faculty to conduct the environment assessments. A steering committee then developed priorities for change. The team is currently conducting an evaluation to compare and assess two area high schools. A youth-led version of this project also was developed under the Common Ground project.
- Our partners
Richmond Public Schools and the Richmond Police Department
- Our faculty
Dr. Robert Cohen (Department of Psychiatry), Dr. Aleta Meyer (Department of Psychology, Center for School-Community Collaboration) and Dr. Mort Gulak (L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs)
- Funding agency
Centers for Disease Control
Common Ground – Youth Leadership Program
Common Ground, an intensive youth program modeled after the VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, develops leadership skills so youth can lead projects addressing youth violence in their communities. Richmond’s East End community leaders and organizations nominated 24 students to participate in a summer training program to prepare them for leadership roles in two major projects, the youth-led Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design project and Performance in Action. For CPTED, the students are addressing physical changes needed at the Armstrong High School building. For Performance in Action, the youth are creating dramatic performances on critical issues.
- Our partners
Richmond Public Schools, Christian Children’s Fund and the Richmond Department of Juvenile Justice
- Our faculty
Dr. Robert Cohen (Department of Psychiatry) and Dr. Aleta Meyer (Department of Psychology, Center for School-Community Collaboration)
- Funding agency
Centers for Disease Control
Comprehensive Approach to Crime Reduction
For the city of Richmond’s Crime Reduction Campaign, assistance was provided in the development of guidelines for selecting model crime reduction programs, monitoring their implementation and supporting campaign evaluation efforts.
- Our partners
City of Richmond, Richmond Police Department, Richmond Public Schools, neighborhood teams, and Richmond’s faith-based and business communities
- Our faculty
Dr. Robert Cohen (Department of Psychiatry), Dr. Aleta Meyer (Department of Psychology, Center for School-Community Collaboration), Jill Gordon (L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs) and Julie Linker (Department of Psychology)
- Funder
City of Richmond
Latino Immigrant Community Needs Assessment
In response to the growing Hispanic community, the city of Richmond requested the Office of VCU Community Solutions to conduct a modified census and perform a community assessment to identify the strengths and needs of new Hispanic residents.
- Our partners
City of Richmond’s Hispanic Liaison Office, and Refugee and Immigration Services
- Our faculty
Dr. Rosalie Corona (Department of Psychology) and Dr. Robert Cohen (Department of Psychiatry)
- Funding agency
Governor’s Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (grant proposal submitted)
City of Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Survey Development
The goal of this project is to create and administer a consumer survey. The information collected will be used to enhance the court’s understanding of its participant base and to modify strategies to better serve clients.
- Our partners
City of Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
- Our faculty
Dr. Nicolle-Parsons Pollard (L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs)
- Funding agency
VCU’s Community Service Associates program