Thirty youth aged 14-21 from around Hartford are engaged in a research project they have designed on a topic of their own choosing: violence. "We picked violence," said Sam Cummings, 15, "because in Hartford, you see it on the streets, in homes, in the neighborhood. People die, they end up in the hospital, or get their feelings hurt." The Summer Youth Research Institute (SYRI), a regular initiative of The Institute for Community Research (ICR), where it is also based, runs from July 9 to August 17 this year. Over the course of the six-week program, SYRI youth, who are mostly high school freshmen and sophomores and all hired as paid youth researchers, have been trained in the research steps necessary to explore their topic. Now, they are conducting the research: gathering their data and planning actions they believe can reduce violence in their lives and their communities.
The SYRI, part of ICR’s larger program of training for community residents in action research for change, teaches interactive research and data collection techniques. SYRI researchers interview other youth and professionals and survey their peers around the issue of street violence and its potential causes, including drugs, crews (gangs and related groups), access to weapons, peer pressure and lack of money. They are also mapping teens’ perceptions about the location of violent activities and the relationship of these activities to other factors. Additionally, they have used photodocumentation both as a research method and a way of illustrating some of their findings; and elicitation techniques (methods that show how people organize their thoughts around specific issues such as violence, peer pressure and drugs). A final approach uses art as a data collection method. Here teens have been leading other youth as well as senior citizens through a process of constructing collages on violence. Following this, they conduct focus groups to generate stories about the meaning of symbols, pictures and words generated though this process.
Youth use their techniques with both peers and adults in the community because these community members have information on – and may be able to do something about – the issue the youth are studying.
One important aspect of the SYRI is the involvement of Senior Youth Research Educators, older teens with experience gained in other ICR youth initiatives who work along with adults as project staff. Maritza Lopez, 17, is a Senior Youth Research Educator who now trains other youth participants in the research process and analysis of results. "It’s great that young people from all over the city can agree that a single issue like violence is important and then actually perform research on it," she said. Lopez, who plans to be a classroom teacher and will attend St. Joseph College this fall on a full scholarship, also appreciates the cooperative learning environment of SYRI. "SYRI has improved my self-confidence and facilitating skills," she continued. "Being able to organize a group of students from all over Hartford and explain how to conduct research has helped me to communicate effectively with people working at all different levels – of all ages and experiences."
Alessandro Rey Bermudez, coordinator of the program and Youth Action Research Coordinator at ICR, has witnessed many participants reap similar benefits from the program. "The researchers have chosen a vital issue that’s also meaningful to them – a powerful foundation for critical thinking. What’s unique about SYRI and allows it to make a difference for youth is that it offers them a chance to learn ‘how to ask why’ about an issue such as this one that really matters to them," he said. "SYRI teens learn not only that they should ask questions to move forward, but also that there are effective and proven ways to inquire and gather information. Sharing these strategies with others is itself a step toward countering violence."
"All of the research skills learned in SYRI are also transferable," said Marlene Berg, Associate Director of Training at ICR. "This forms a central part of the program’s goals – enhancing teens’ voice, creating new knowledge and developing inquiry skills among youth that will help them in school and eventually in the world of work. We schedule visits to colleges and cultural resources between research activities to help participants make the connection between SYRI’s work and their future lives," she said.
The summer program culminates in a final event on Friday, August 17 from 1-4 p.m., during which SYRI youth will present findings of their research to community partners, educators, other members of the larger community, and families. This presentation will include special individual "actions" that participants have created on the basis of their work. The final event closes with a reception at which refreshments will be served; the public is invited to attend. (For more information, call Rey Bermudez at 860-278-2044 x273).

The Institute for Community Research (ICR) is an independent, nonprofit organization which conducts applied research and community enhancement projects to promote equal access to health, education, and cultural resources. The Summer Youth Research Institute (SYRI) has been made possible through the generous support of the Capitol Region Workforce Development Board (CRWDB), The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (HFPG), Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and The City of Hartford.